I work on a med/surg floor in a large teaching hospital. The big problem I am having is with the visiting policy. Visiting hours on med/surg floors are from 8a-9p, there are no restrictions for children/babies and overnight stays are limited to one person in a private room only. However.... we have patients admitted who bring immediate family, extended family, friends, acquaintances, infants and bunk in for the duration. I'm not talking about family at the bedside of a dying loved one..I'm talking about any diagnosis/situation. As charge nurse, I have been confronted with issues such as people stealing from other patients, from our clean utility room, staff lockers, wandering halls at all hours, falling, demanding pillows, blankets, food, allowing children free rein, use equipment, sleeping on floors, sleeping in isolation rooms, chairs, clean beds, request nursing care for themselves, baby-sit their children; you name it. I certainly understand and have seen great results from those patients with supportive families but this is down right dangerous and disruptive to say the least. Enforcing visiting policy, I have met with suggestions that patient and family satisfaction come first. Of course it does but where do you draw the line? Does anyone out there have similar experiences and if yes, how do you handle it!!! Cath