keeping in touch?

caliotter3 · May 25, 2008

I think that this would be against hospital policy, but who is to tell you who you can socialize with when you're on your own time? I can see possible problems and wouldn't engage in this practice myself. Particularly if dealing with a male patient who seems "too interested". Can't trust anyone these days. Don't know when you've met the wrong type. I'm sure there are many stories of nurses who have been harmed by former patients. Have you asked your supervisors at your place of employment? If not addressed in your employee handbook, then this question should be answered by one of your supervisors or by someone in the HR department.

nightmare, RN · May 25, 2008

I think this is definitely a practice you do not want to start!By giving a patient your phone no.email,etc you suddenly become a 24/7 unpaid medical adviser for them and probably their family! That probably sounds a bit cynical but it has happened.You taking their details such as address etc may also be a HIPAA violation but that would need to be answered by someone in the US who knows all the ins and outs of HIPAA.

SoundofMusic · May 25, 2008

Yikes -- I always tell them, "Well, You know where you can find me" -- and they can visit me at the unit if they want to. But I don't give out any personal details. Often I'm touched if they come back to say hi or give updates -- but that's as far as it goes.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 25, 2008

I think that is a grey area---one of my best friends I met while she was a patient--we had kids the same age and had lots to talk about--I work 3rds we had a slow night and she couldnt sleep. After her discharge I saw her a few times at the hospital and she would come up and hug me, then I bumped into her at the grocery store and we chatted, next I sat next to her at the parade, then she told me about her kids karate class and I enrolled my son etc etc etc. She beat Cancer and I got a friend!!!

labrador4122, RN · May 27, 2008

i wouldnt