I went off on a family member...and I don't feel bad about it.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jun 25, 2008

This is a practice that has been stopped here. If there is a large family involved, then 2 members are appointed to call and get info, they then relay it to other family members. I know it sounds cold, but with the large families we have here, we just do not have time to talk to everyone and take care of patients too.

RN1982 · Jun 25, 2008

I don't think its cold at all. And even after I told them that I couldn't give out patient info, they'd still ask questions. Um, hello, I do have patients. The patient's brother came up around 11pm after the patient had extubated himself as he was leaving I pulled him aside and told him to please speak with the other family members and let them know how the patient is doing because many people are calling and I can't give out info and the more I'm on the phone, the less time I have to tend to my patients.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2008

It's not cold, you shouldn't feel bad about it, and kudos to you.

BTW - if there are family members at a patient's bedside when other family call ... I automatically have them speak with the caller.

RN1982 · Jun 25, 2008

It's not cold, you shouldn't feel bad about it, and kudos to you.
BTW - if there are family members at a patient's bedside when other family call ... I automatically have them speak with the caller.

I do that too but when the patient's brother came in, no one else called. I don't feel bad. I was actually going to apologize to the family member that I snapped at her but quickly changed my mind because I wanted my snapping at her to stick in her head and to make her realize she will NOT push me around and I will not tolerate it either.

suzy253, RN · Jun 25, 2008

You did the right thing...straight and to the point. Good job! I've had encounters like this with family members on the phone and really get annoyed with their attitudes.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2008

Sometimes you just have to assert yourself.

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · Jun 25, 2008

What you said and how you said it was in order. You did the right thing.

I applaud you for taking a stand :yeah:

Jo Dirt · Jun 25, 2008

I dont know what you said that was harsh. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

Smokey9283 · Jun 25, 2008

Good for you. Sometimes people need somthing stated straight and to the point to get it. I have used that technique in the past, usually when I am so busy or stressed about a situation, but they do get it then.

DebRN06 · Jun 25, 2008

Next time I'm going to say "I'm sorry I can't give out patient information because I could possibly face fines, jail, lose my license, and my home"

I tend to say something along that line when it is someone that will not stop asking after I have already explained.

What kills me are the family members that will call about a pt that is A&Ox3. And, these questions annoy the heck out of me... "Did he eat his breakfast?" "Did he sleep ok last night?" And, the ones that call and you talk to them and at the end they say they will be there in an hour...grrr...why call then???

When I get multiple calls for same pt, I always tell the family to pick 1 family member to call for updates and they can update rest of family. I also explain to family that between the hours from 6:30am/pm and 9am/pm are not the best times to call as that is when Rns are finishing/starting up their shift, in report, etc.

We do not have a password/code for family at our facility. It drives me crazy. I have asked multiple times to multiple people if this can be initiated. They all say that it is a good idea, but then is never done.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 25, 2008

the patient is the priority, not the family.

We also require no more than two people to be spokespersons for the family. If uncle Bob hasn't spoken to them in 10 years and wants to hear it from you, well tough