Visitors Code of Conduct

bethin · Dec 8, 2005

Do not have sex in the visitor's lounge. Yes, this really happened. They (both visitors) tried to deny what they were doing until we showed them the monitor which gave us an all too clear view of their shenanigans.
Do not try to load up the complimentary diaper bag with everything in the crib and then ask for new supplies. This could apply to patients as well as visitors.
Do not violate a restraining order to come see your relative. I now have the extension for security memorized.

No sex with patients!! This really happened. I walked in on a couple in a comprimising position. If you can do it that way, you can go home.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2005

You are a guest. It's your priviledge and an honor that you are a guest here visiting. You don't have a right to be here and behave in a disruptive manner and we can have a restraining order put on you to keep you away.

We've had to do that many times in our ER.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 8, 2005

Do not have sex in the visitor's lounge. Yes, this really happened. They (both visitors) tried to deny what they were doing until we showed them the monitor which gave us an all too clear view of their shenanigans.

EEEEEW

I remember walking on a pt. having sex with her b/f. What got me was that she whined all the time about how sore her abdomen is (sh e was admitted with an infected C-section incision), yet here, A WEEK after having a baby, she's doing it in a hospital bed??

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2005

A visitor may be removed from the unit for ANY REASON at ANY TIME that it is deemed by the staff that they are interfering with the work of the hospital.

That one (1!!!!!) relative is the designated receiver and giver of information on the patient. That any other callers receive information that the patient is "stable" or "not stable", and keep calls to the nurse under 2 minutes.

There are only two chairs in the average stable patients room. This is a clue. Figure it out.

There are a limited number of cots available on adult care units, where the patients are alert and oriented. This is a clue. Figure it out.

The pull out recliners/chairbeds in an adult unit are terribly uncomfortable. This too is hint.

And unless your relative is actively dying, my priority is not going to be:search for more chairs, for more cots, or get you the special "comfortable" recliner.

And please don't search the unit for: the private room that your relative can't have, or play "Can I steal the sleeping patient's chairs?" It is rude beyond belief.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2005

Do not have sex in the visitor's lounge. Yes, this really happened. They (both visitors) tried to deny what they were doing until we showed them the monitor which gave us an all too clear view of their shenanigans.

Did I work with you in Georgia?

Mine were a pair of teens that were supposed to be sitting with the girls invalid grandfather. And they barricaded the door. The manager had a little talk with them about never doing it again.

So a few days go by and the weekend crew changes over. So that did it again. Again they get reprimanded.

A few days later, Mama comes in and pitches a hissy with the unit manager about "letting" her girl mess with that boy.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Dec 8, 2005

do not go to the doctor's house at 9pm and proceed to tell him your mother is in pain and we are not doing anything for her and that we have not even been in her room.
yes, this actually happened. this patients family drove us crazy for the whole month she was in the hospital. we were all in her room about 4 times an hour. never once did she mention being in pain despite being asked repeatedly. the doc called us and said the (name) family came to my house. give her nubain 1cc now.

i would have called the police and tried to have them charged w/stalking.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Dec 8, 2005

Don't take the rolling chairs from the nurse's tables in the hallway to the patient's room. Sorry your 5 extra family members don't have a place to sit, but the nurses need a place to sit too. I agree with the "there are two chairs in the room, you figure it out" comment.

Don't use the patient's bathroom. It's just a short walk to the visitor's bathroom.

Don't bring your Mom (who has dementia) to visit and then leave her there for us to babysit.

Don't ask for unrealistic things like; conditioner, blow dryer and shower cap- please feel free to go home and gather these things up or if needed stop by Walgreen's.

Don't call the nurses station asking for a status update. #1 HIPPA, #2 your husband is capable grown man- ask him yourself.

Don't request a room with a view.

Don't ask the surgeon to accelerate the surgury time so your husband can watch a baseball game. Mark my words, this will be the same family member who will ask at 0715 in the a.m. "What time is the doctor coming so we can be discharged?"

Don't ask where the concierge desk is.

Don't bring 3 children under the age of 5 years old to visit ALL DAY and expect them not to get crabby and restless.

DusktilDawn · Dec 8, 2005

The facility I work at is supposed to have a Visitors Code of Conduct, provided to visitors as a handout. I have been unable to access what the code of conduct entails through the facility's website, but I will see if they are handing out these pamphlets and post what these rules are.

In the meantime, how about:

1. Don't sit on the raised empty beds that have been made in anticipation of a new patient. Now you have just contaminated it. Thanks for the extra unnecessary work you've now created for the staff.

2. The limit is 2 visitors in the room, yes it applies to your family. It's also about being considerate and respectful of the other patient in the room. If you choose to ignore repeated requests to limit numbers, the staff will choose to have you escorted out by security.

3. Sleeping in bed with the patient is not allowed, the beds are twin size for a reason. It is made for ONE. If you are uncomfortable in the lounge chair, you DO have a bed at home.

4. Please don't leave the patient's room and visitors lounge in a mess with your garbage, the staff has enough to do without picking up after you.

5. Please refrain from knocking you two-timing BF upside the head with his urinal (has happened), wait until he is discharged. Also if you bring your child please don't park him in the hallway so you can beat up GF who is knocking two-timing BF upside the head. You will both be escorted out by security and not allowed to return.

6. Don't come to visit a patient that has been discharged 3 weeks ago and expect and insist the staff to figure out where this person is (has happened).

7. Please don't call when your inebriated and expect the staff to provide info on any patient since we are not allowed anyway to give information over the phone. Refrain from cussing out the staff when they tell you this. First sleep it off, and speak to your relative/friend directly.

8. Why are you calling at 0200-0300 in the morning demanding to know why the patient isn't answering their phone? Why does it not make sense that calls will not be forwarded to the patient's phone at this time.

I found this on the Michigan Legislature website, it concerns the responsiblities of patient or resident:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-333-20202&highlight=

(1) A patient or resident is responsible for following the health facility rules and regulations affecting patient or resident care and conduct.

(2) A patient or resident is responsible for providing a complete and accurate medical history.

(3) A patient or resident is responsible for making it known whether he or she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and the things he or she is expected to do.

(4) A patient or resident is responsible for following the recommendations and advice prescribed in a course of treatment by the physician.

(5) A patient or resident is responsible for providing information about unexpected complications that arise in an expected course of treatment.

(6) A patient or resident is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients or residents and health facility personnel and property.

(7) A patient or resident is responsible for providing the health facility with accurate and timely information concerning his or her sources of payment and ability to meet financial obligations.

hospitalstaph · Dec 8, 2005

The facility I work at is supposed to have a Visitors Code of Conduct, provided to visitors as a handout. I have been unable to access what the code of conduct entails through the facility's website, but I will see if they are handing out these pamphlets and post what these rules are.
In the meantime, how about:
1. Don't sit on the raised empty beds that have been made in anticipation of a new patient. Now you have just contaminated it. Thanks for the extra unnecessary work you've now created for the staff.
2. The limit is 2 visitors in the room, yes it applies to your family. It's also about being considerate and respectful of the other patient in the room. If you choose to ignore repeated requests to limit numbers, the staff will choose to have you escorted out by security.
3. Sleeping in bed with the patient is not allowed, the beds are twin size for a reason. It is made for ONE. If you are uncomfortable in the lounge chair, you DO have a bed at home.
4. Please don't leave the patient's room and visitors lounge in a mess with your garbage, the staff has enough to do without picking up after you.
5. Please refrain from knocking you two-timing BF upside the head with his urinal (has happened), wait until he is discharged. Also if you bring your child please don't park him in the hallway so you can beat up GF who is knocking two-timing BF upside the head. You will both be escorted out by security and not allowed to return.
6. Don't come to visit a patient that has been discharged 3 weeks ago and expect and insist the staff to figure out where this person is (has happened).
7. Please don't call when your inebriated and expect the staff to provide info on any patient since we are not allowed anyway to give information over the phone. Refrain from cussing out the staff when they tell you this. First sleep it off, and speak to your relative/friend directly.
8. Why are you calling at 0200-0300 in the morning demanding to know why the patient isn't answering their phone? Why does it not make sense that calls will not be forwarded to the patient's phone at this time.
I found this on the Michigan Legislature website, it concerns the responsiblities of patient or resident:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-333-20202&highlight=
(1) A patient or resident is responsible for following the health facility rules and regulations affecting patient or resident care and conduct.
(2) A patient or resident is responsible for providing a complete and accurate medical history.
(3) A patient or resident is responsible for making it known whether he or she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and the things he or she is expected to do.
(4) A patient or resident is responsible for following the recommendations and advice prescribed in a course of treatment by the physician.
(5) A patient or resident is responsible for providing information about unexpected complications that arise in an expected course of treatment.
(6) A patient or resident is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients or residents and health facility personnel and property.
(7) A patient or resident is responsible for providing the health facility with accurate and timely information concerning his or her sources of payment and ability to meet financial obligations.

Ooops, I broke a rule. I did stay with my husband one night when his pain was really bad and I slept in his bed with him. His nurse actually seemed to appreciate it since he was crying a lot and needed lots of attention. I spent most of the night holding a wet washcloth on his head and telling him it would be OK. I wish however that I had known this was against policy.

T