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Discussion

Appropriate or not?

I'm currently orienting in the E.R. and was wondering if it was ever appropriate to "check in" or visit a patient on the floor you admit them to. I know it's a fine line to walk between personal and professional and was hoping someone had an answer.

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    Not usually. If I'm transporting another pt up to the same floor and go past their room I might pop my head in and say a quick hi and talk up the staff. But I think making a specific trip to see a pt you admitted could be crossing the line.

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    • Experts

    Visiting a patient that has been admitted to another floor can be considered crossing the boundaries of the nurse/patient relationship. Your nurse/patient relationship with the client comes to an end once you stop taking care of the individual.

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    • Experts

    I have been an ER nurse a long time...yes I have "dropped by" to check on a patient. If you are at work and happen to walk by the room and you developed a rapport with the patient I think it is fine. To go off duty is the draw line of boundaries. I would check with your manager.

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    There was another post not too long ago post that touched on the same question. Opinions were mixed like this one will be. All recommend using caution - you no longer are responsible for this pt so your client relationship has expired.

    In LTC, I've freq checked in on residents who've transferred off my unit. But LTC is more home-y.

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    I work home health and sometimes go check on patients when they're admitted or if I had to send them to the ER. As PP mentioned, though, home health is obviously more home-y as well.

    But I don't see an issue even in your case as there are some patients you really just click with. I think it shows you care and gives them better feelings towards the hospital and ER. Especially if you're in the area anyway doing something else. It's not like I sit and talk with them for 15 minutes. Just a quick "checking on you. How you doing?" Type of thing

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    If it is beneficial for the patient to have a visit from a previous nurse it's okay. A simple encouraging remark like you look good can make someone's day.

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