Best way to get rid of visitors

[Blackcat99]

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?

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

Well, if they REALLY insist on staying after you've made it perfectly clear,, then I would wait them out. Come back later and do the procedure. If this visitor ABSOLUTELY MUST be in there, let them stay,, but I doubt they will sit there for hours until you come back. Unless they are really stuborn.

[Batman24]

You should ask visitors to leave the room not due to your lack of experience but because it is your job to provide the patient with privacy. This isn't about you but about the patient.

If you ask them them leave and they don't leave and the patient isn't requesting they stay then you call security. The patient has the right to privacy and it's your job to ensure that happens.

[lpnflorida]

Blackcat it is okay to feel nervous and unsure. I would ask another nurse to come in with you if need be. I also happen to think if a procedure can be postponed until they are alone and it does no harm to wait, then wait.

[Blackcat99]

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.

That's a great idea too. "Everyone needs to leave the room for x minutes.

[Blackcat99]

Thanks everyone. Such great ideas and suggestions. I appreciate all of you so much!!!

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

If polite doesnt work like what has been mentioned my last resort is security and the absolute last resort POPO and handcuffs always works. Its surprising how bad people hate jail.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I work in postpartum where there is no shortage of visitors, both family and non-family, and no shortage of looking at intimate parts. I ask the patient (since my patients are 99.9% a&o) if there is anyone in there who they want to leave. Most visitors are good about taking the gentle hint and flat out say, "Alright, no problem." I make it a point to say I'll be sure to let them know when I'm done so they can go back.

Sometimes the patient doesn't want anyone in there, sometimes the whole roomful of visitors gets allowed to stay. It is all about what she is comfortable with. I tell my patients I check and do the same things whether there's no visitors or if there's ten. I will say, however, most would rather have at least one person there - usually their husband or boyfriend - for a bit of support. I'm cool.

If it's an emergency, I don't have any problem telling people, "I need you to step outside until we can get things settled down in here." I've never had anyone tell me no when they hear the tone in my voice.

[MaryAnn_RN]

Years ago as a student nurse I asked some visitors if they had a home to go to.

[4theBetterGetter, RN]

I have been known to enter the room and jokingly say ...who wants this shot in the rear end? BLAM...the room is clear and the pt. and I are having a good laugh! For treatments such as dressing changes I will involve the s/o for teaching if the pt gives the ok. Everyone else has to go.....I tell em if you don't sleep or live with em you don't need to be in here right now! It is a tough spot for some patients to ask their friends/family to leave the room...

[sharpeimom]

Four years ago, a week after I had told my PCP I thought I had developed an epigastric ulcer based on severe pain and he had told me to quit being melodramatic :angryfire:eek:and to stop self diagnosing:banghead:, I was hospitalized after I had insisted on some lab work. My HBG was 4 and I was bleeding out. I was given 5 units of blood over the next 24 hours.

I was so sick, anxious, and felt so terrible, I wanted my husband every minute he wasn't teaching or walking the dog. As a nurse, I understand what the OP is saying, but that hospital stay, all I wanted was for him not to leave my side. In fact, I insisted he stay with me and that first couple of days, he seldom left my side. :redbeathe If your patient says "stay", don't argue.

Shar-pei mom:paw::paw:

[RN2B123]

what are you supposed to say if your hospital is really big on patient and family centered care? I've had families complain that we kick them out of the room when we have to do procedures on the pt and that we arent focusing on "patient and family centered care"!!!

[Batman24]

what are you supposed to say if your hospital is really big on patient and family centered care? I've had families complain that we kick them out of the room when we have to do procedures on the pt and that we arent focusing on "patient and family centered care"!!!

If the procedure is something that a spouse, etc. can be present for then you look to the patient. Not all procedures allow for an audience depending on seriousness, space, etc. If family is allowed then you always defer to the patient. Most usually would like 1 person to stay for support. Family members don't have the inherent right to be present just because they want to be. If the patient wants everyone out then everyone needs to go. Patient is always entitled to privacy and what they want trumps visitors regardless of their relation.