Best way to get rid of visitors

Flare, ASN, BSN · Dec 12, 2008

I just say point blank "I need you to step out of the room for a few moments." You can suggest that they go to the coffee shop if it's going to be a longer procedure or send them to a near-by visitor lounge. If it's just something that's relatively quick you can just tell them to wait in the hall for a moment. I try to remember to tell them that they can go in if i see them afterward.

rngolfer53 · Dec 12, 2008

I have just started a new job doing double shift weekends.It is extremely hectic. It seems that everytime I get a chance to do something to a patient such as a dressing change, IV antibiotic etc I always have an audience. I would like to be alone when I do these things. Having an audience just makes me so nervous. What exactly is the most polite thing I can say to get these people to leave the room?

Well, I don't know about visitors, but this nurse does his level best to quickly get out of those nursing homes that he visits that reek of urine. :angryfire

Sorry, I know this isn't responsive, and I also hate an audience.

lpnflorida · Dec 12, 2008

Most often depending on what I need to do. I first ask the patient do they want one of their family members to stay in the room with them? If not, then I will asked them all to step out of the room for a break, letting them know where the visitors lounge is or the cafeteria.

Most people seem to like to be asked what they prefer. Sometimes if they stay, it becomes an opportunity to teach the loved one along with the patient what we are doing and why.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2008

Most often depending on what I need to do. I first ask the patient do they want one of their family members to stay in the room with them? If not, then I will asked them all to step out of the room for a break, letting them know where the visitors lounge is or the cafeteria.
Most people seem to like to be asked what they prefer. Sometimes if they stay, it becomes an opportunity to teach the loved one along with the patient what we are doing and why.

I agree with this, and also let the family know how long it will take and when they should come back. It usually works for me. Most of the time, the family needs a little break from the hospital room anyway.

Blackcat99 · Dec 12, 2008

Thanks all. I think I'm going to start with the "I need you to step out of the room for a few moments." What would you say to a visitor who says "No, I am not leaving. I'm going to watch what you are doing?"

lpnflorida · Dec 12, 2008

Thanks all. I think I'm going to start with the "I need you to step out of the room for a few moments." What would you say to a visitor who says "No, I am not leaving. I'm going to watch what you are doing?"

This is when you asked the patient if they mind that the visitor stays. If they say no. Go ahead with what you need to do. You will find yourself less nervous if you explain as you go along what you are doing. It takes your mind off of your nerves.

Again it usually depends on what needs to be done. I have only once had a loved one who wanted to stay in the room to observe a cath, and the patient agreed. Oh well, so much for boundaries...:imbar

That is not to say I have not had to teach family members how to cath someone, but that is a different topic.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2008

Thanks all. I think I'm going to start with the "I need you to step out of the room for a few moments." What would you say to a visitor who says "No, I am not leaving. I'm going to watch what you are doing?"

Yeah, don't ASK them to leave, just politely and very nicely tell them to leave... lol... Tell them you need for them to step out now, and you'll be finished in so and so minutes.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2008

IF they say no, they won't leave,,, INSIST on it. Keep insisting that they leave, very politely of course.

nurseshepherd · Dec 12, 2008

I agree with the PP that simply asking politely and keeping the visitors informed works well with most folks. As far as having people at bedside during procedures, that really depends. In OB we almost alway insist on having the woman come back sans partner so we can discuss health care issues one-on-one. It is amazing how many women tell their partners they quit smoking but really haven't, have herpes and haven't informed their partner, have taken drugs and their partner is clueless, etc. We also need to discuss her relationship to see if there are issues with domestic violence and provide her with resources without the partner at bedside. One issue we run into quite often is family members who are CERTAIN they are wanted in the room for everything and if you haven't asked the patient while you have them alone you won't find out until it is too late that she only wanted her partner in the room and not the whole clan. :twocents:

Batman24 · Dec 12, 2008

I firmly and politely state, "Everyone needs to leave the room for x amount of time." I then point them to the cafeteria, Starbucks, etc. You have to be firm and respectful at the same time. I also stand there so they understand they need to leave at that moment so I can care for the patient.

If the patient then states they want their spouse, son, etc. to stay they can then speak up and say so. This allows the patient to have control. Often I will aks the patient when I have a few minutes alone who they'd like in the room and who they wouldn't. May don't even want a spouse there for caths, etc. They like to keep the really intimate things between medical staff and themselves so I never make assumptions.

Blackcat99 · Dec 12, 2008

Yes, I would like to insist that they leave because I haven't done skilled/rehab nursing for such a long time and quite frankly I don't feel I know exactly what I'm doing.That's another reason I don't want them in the room, they might ask questions that I can't answer. What if I told them, OK,since you don't want to leave right now, I will come back later on tonight and try to finish up and then I leave the room?:argue: It's really hectic and I really don't have time to argue with them if they refuse to leave. Do you think they would get upset and report me to the boss, if I told them that? Or should I just ignore them and just hurry up and get the dressing done and leave as soon as possible?

I just hate having an audience-it makes me so nervous and then I just make more mistakes:crying2:.