To start with, I know in school the instructors taught us not to get too involved with a patient, unfortunately I did. He was close to my age, only 5 years and we got along great. He had frequent admissions, and since I spent a long time in my childhood hospitalized I could relate. Often during his admissions I would bring DVDs or video games to work for him to pass the time.
I transferred units to the MICU, and he was admitted progressed to ARDS and died on the oscillator. The situation is this, his father is repeatedly calling my unit, when I am not there trying to get my home number. He told my charge nurse tonight that he had googled my name, but was unable to find my contact information, and wondered if she would give him my home number. She refused, I gotta admit I'm not sure how to respond. I don't regret befriending the patient, it's tough to be the only teenager on an adult unit. However, I have grieved the loss of my friend and moved on, I'm just not real sure how to respond to his dad. I've never had a family member try so hard to contact me like this.
I have had my charge nurse inform patients/family trying to get a hold of me to please send a card or letter to me at the hospital. I enjoy cards, and feel that is a perfectly okay way to get information across or say thanks or what not!
I never ever give my personal infomation out!
I agree - be careful. I befriended an elderly gentleman by just sitting and talking to him while he was an inpatient and he found my home phone number and calls me all the time.
Specializes in cardiology, psychiatry, corrections.
Just as the others stated, I would maybe call him from the hospital phone to see what he wants. My daughter was hospitalized in the PICU and almost died a little over two years ago. At a later date (after she was discharged) I transported a patient to the ER of that hospital and went there to thank the nurse who helped save her life and had taken such good care of her at her worst. I sometimes e-mail her pictures of my daughter (maybe once every 6 mos or so) but that's as far as it goes. I don't have any other contact info on this nurse. I don't think this (or you just telephoning the father) is inappropriate. I know your situation didn't have the same outcome but this nurse was glad to hear that my daughter was doing well. She said a lot of her patients don't have the best outcomes and she is happy to hear about those who do.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
I agree - be careful. I befriended an elderly gentleman by just sitting and talking to him while he was an inpatient and he found my home phone number and calls me all the time.
steph