I was very surprised to go to work today and find a notice that the hospital is now refusing visitors under the age of 16 because of the flu situation. I've got to say, it was much pleasanter than usual on the floor, for staff and patients alike, without the hordes of little children that are usually constantly underfoot. I was blown away that the hospital had made such a sensible decision! 0 Likes
WalkieTalkie, RN Specializes in CVICU. Nov 7, 2009 Nope, and they've already said they won't. The other hospitals in the area are doing this, but now ours. 0 Likes
PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU. Has 19 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 It's about time. I still get blown away by people who try to bring their newborns in to visit "grandma". I mean really, how stupid can one be???????? 0 Likes
Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN Specializes in NICU. Has 10 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 My hospital isn't allowing anyone under 16 onto the fifth floor, which houses L&D, postpartum, NICU, and PICU. Solid decision, I think. 0 Likes
TampaTech Specializes in med/surg and Tele. Has 2 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 I think that is a good idea as well. I know that my hospital isnt giving an age specific visitor but I do know that if youre a visitor and you seem to be sickly or coughing and sneezing alot they will kick you out and tell you not to come back until you have been cleared by a doctor. Also the same thing goes for the staff as well. If you call in sick for a cold they will tell you to stay out for a week until you can get cleared by employee health 0 Likes
LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN Specializes in Pediatrics. Nov 7, 2009 No one under the age of 18 in LD and ICU, and we are supposed to screen visitors, if they havent had flu symptoms in the last 24 hour they get a green wrist band with the date on it. If they have flu symptoms we give them a mask and ask them to leave. 0 Likes
Mimi2RN, ASN, RN Specializes in NICU. Has 27 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 Nobody under 12 yrs. It's a bit difficult using 18 yrs as so many parents are younger than that......And I agree, it's wonderful. Security outside the front door, only kids allowed in are patients or related to dying patients. Only 2 banded visitors in the NICU and on Peds. This is supposed to last until March. 0 Likes
shodobe Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S. Nov 7, 2009 No one under 16. This is the way it use to be many years ago and should have never been changed. 0 Likes
I'maLaborNurse Has 10 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 Only 2 visitors at a time, must be immediate family, and no one under the age of 18. This applies to the entire hospital, the only area that kids can be in are our peds floors (as pts obv) and the cafeteria. Exceptions made for pts on comfort care and very special circumstances. 0 Likes
Key_ Specializes in Telemetry/PCU. Has 2 years experience. Nov 7, 2009 Our hospital restricts visitors under the age of 12. They do it every flu season, this year is nothing new. Hate it when I see little kids crawling around on the floor (during the off season) and if you say something to the parents about it being dirty they give you nasty looks lol. 0 Likes
AuntieRN Specializes in Med/Surg. Nov 7, 2009 Noone under 19 and if you have any s/s of the flu 0 Likes
4theBetterGetter, RN Specializes in Med Surg, Peds, OB, L/D, Ortho. Nov 7, 2009 No one under 18. Sure has cut down on alot of needless chaos! 0 Likes
JessieC777 Specializes in Surg/ortho. Nov 7, 2009 Yep...no one under 18 and only 2 at a time. Not that the 2 at a time thing has been strictly enforced 0 Likes
Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, RN Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions. Nov 7, 2009 Yes: no one under 18 or who has S&S of the flu can come visit. 0 Likes
TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP. Nov 7, 2009 Nobody in under 12 years, or anyone with S&S of cold/flu. Nursing discretion is allowed for end of life situations (of course). Separate triage area in ED for "snifflers". 0 Likes
