hey all, don't wish to start the visitation thread again, but could use some advise on how to handle;
Had a closed head injury patient in the ICU last night, confused all day, pulling at ngt, pulse ox...on and on. Our day nurse let the family stay ALL day at the bedside, but warned them that during shift change and some time later they would need to step out. All is fine until night shift arrives and it is time for them to step out.
We're not talking hours here... we asked for 45 minutes to give report and assess the patient, give meds, you know the drill.
Family no longer agreeable, have very good intentions of only wanting to help maintain lines... which is very needed, but refused to leave to allow report and assessment. Wife states "I will not leave the room, you can't force me out, I will not leave him, I'm not a visitor, I'm his wife".
Well, I don't much care for her approach, but I agree that we need their help, the night nurse REFUSES to accept the assignment if I allow the wife to "camp out". I change the assignment and take the patient, let ONE person stay with him all night.
Turns out they were VERY helpful, and yes I needed them, but again, I don't mind the "camping out"
So, sorry so long. But what would you do if a family member flat out REFUSED to GO? There are many times where it is cleary not appropriate with a stable mable and they just want a slumber party.
PS... everyone is PISSED that I "gave in to the family". But Management will not back refusing to allow visitors to stay, our manager will override the nurse and allow it, which is why I never began to beat my head against the wall.
thanks all