can I visit a resident outside of work?

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hi everyone!

Well, theres this really sweet 98year old resident at the ALF I work and she really likes me (she tells me Im her favorite :)) and about two weeks ago she was sent to the hospital. She had been having trouble walking since she hurt her foot one day and it gradually become worse. Anyway, I have been assisting her through her pain and was always there to make her feel better. (Being able to walk at 98 and being in good health is big and she felt disgusted and depressed that she had lost her ability to walk ) Anyway, Long story short, shes still out and ive been wanting to go see her at the hospital but I dont know if its right or not? You know, to see her outside of work. She doesnt have any family her only 2 sons are miles away. Can i go see her?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

When I did homecare, the RN would occasionally do a courtesy visit to the hospital, but that was also involved a care planning component. But it can also be a boundary issue.

Just talk it over with your manager before going.