open visitation in ccu

heart queen · Mar 23, 2005

off the visiation kick as this could easily take over your post. Prior to a lawyer, have you tried a sit down with another staff member to represent you, the manager and the next up in line to discuss your concerns.

"we may not see eye to eye on visitation, HOWEVER, I've proven myself in these ways..... through 5 years of service. These are my strengths... I am an excellent nurse to retain in this facility beacuse......

as well as "we seem to be at an impass as I cannot support your open visitation, however there are many units in this facility in which I would be an asset. I'm asking you to seperate our visitation differences over my skills as a nurse and give me a good reference to transfer."

Also see if your education department has a skilled facilitator and utilize this person to have several meetings between you and the boss. This will allow both your views to be heard and guide the conversation twords finding common ground which very likely is a transfer which will benefit all.

Your hospital system, no matter how coffee clutching has guidelines of a chain of command and human resources is your next best bet. They may offer to meet with you both as well. secondly you can file a formal grievance against your boss for suspected sabatoge of transfer.

you've got alot of options to explore. don't waste 5 years of service over this... you most likely CAN resolve it. if you try ALL the things I've suggested and nothing works... you know the system, the hospital conflicts with your beliefs... and from here you then make your choice to bail.

CCU NRS · Mar 23, 2005

This seems to be the new widespread deal why is everyone opening there visiting? Was some new report out? I didin't anything on the JCAHO site.

We just went to this at the begninning of the year, we also began room sevice, which I must admit I was against and am still unhappy with.

Our visiting doesn't seem to be that big a deal but I really don't feel that we can realistically hold up to HIPPA scrutinization if that evers becomes an issue.

Customer satisfaction is an ever growing problem in our business.

I tried to explain to the only administrator I ever deal with that a Hospital that is known for its medical prowess to me would be much better than a hospital known for its room service.

Lawnurse · Mar 23, 2005

Grits I am glad you're seeing an attorney.
I second this. If you have a legal issue, hire someone with a legal license. :) (And this isn't a self-serving statement - I'm practice on the other side of the issue...well, not the visitation issue, the "ledger line")
I'm also interested to know what you are told.

analiezel · May 8, 2005

miss your laugh....

tell us how everything goes....

ps... I.G. said she is assuming your risk management reporting roles.... :rotfl:

I am in the process of trying to leave this unit because I disagree whole heartely with open visitation in this type of environment. My manager has blocked me from leaving by telling other managers I am a visitor unfriendly nurse. I am a dedicated nurse with over 25 years experience in the critical care environment. I have tried to talk with my manager and explaIN why I feel the way I do and all the problems associated with open visitation . she has a closed mind to everything I say. I have written risk management over 25 times this year with problems associated with open visitation. Now I hate my job because I am forced to work here. My boss blocks me from leaving if I use her as a reference. I have been here 5 years I cant ignor those years. Help!!!! I am consulting an attorney tuesday.

ValerieB · May 11, 2005

I think whether to allow children to visit the CCU should be determined on a case by case basis. When I was young, my father was a frequent patient in the unit. He had SLE with complications such as kidney failure. On several occasions, the nurses on staff were afraid my dad wouldn't make it and they let me visit him with my mother. I was always very well behaved... my mother made sure of that. I do agree that children should not be unsupervised in this environment, even if that means kicking out the irresponsible adult also. I just think that to allow a child to spend time with an ill or dying parent can be a great gift.

I work in the med-surg areas and people tend to come in huge groups to see one patient who is most likely in a semi private room. Patients think they have to entertain their visitors so they don't say anything to them. I agree that there are families that provide great comfort and assistance to the patients ( and we as nurses look forward to seeing these people) and then there are those that bring everybody on their family tree and create chaos for not only their loved one but for their roommate because there's not enough chairs in the room. I loved it when my hospital had a GI oubreak a few years ago and we limited visitors, no children at all could visit and we had carts at the entrances to all the units so people could wash their hands. I loved it. I think it should be that way all the time- ha,ha. Most kids don't want to be there anyway and if parents have to bring them, then let them say hi to the person and then it's time to go and go home and call them up on the telephone. I bet you these people don't go to their house when their sick and run around. I think there are exceptions to every rule and nurses make these decisions every day based on the condition of their patients. Critical care is there for a reason- to take care of critically ill patients. They don't need open visitation. When they are feeling better and graduate to the floor, they can have open visitation. I've told my family that if I'm sick, call me up on the phone and don't bring any kids! :uhoh3: