Patient asking for your phone number? How to say no?

[Krazziekid78]

I'm a new nurse on a med-surg floor. I had a lovely patient who had really been through the ringer that I cared for for 10 shifts. When I was saying my goodbye, she got teary eyed, thanking me for my care. She then said "perhaps I could call you sometime to stay in touch"... Rather than saying what I should have, I got flustered and said, "oh, just call the hospital". I didn't tell her to call the unit or anything. I just slipped and said that. Urghh. I'm afraid I'll get into trouble if she calls the unit saying I said she could call me =\ any advice? Is this something I could get into trouble for?

How do you guys politely turn down a future communication?

Thanks!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

You did fine OP.

Telling pts and family members to call the unit usually worked for me in the past.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

"I am so sorry but I can not give out any personal information, I wish you nothing but the best". You were put on the spot, and I think you did just fine.

If she calls looking for you, you can direct the conversation to "are you having questions regarding your discharge instuctions?" If she is seeking medical advice, follow your policy on that. Always cover yourself by stating if she is "concerned" about her health that she needs to be seen and/or if it is a medical emergency that she is to call 911.

If she is looking for a friend and confidante you need to politely excuse yourself from that situation. "You are so lovely to have called to say hello. I am pleased you are doing well. Because of my job, I am unable to take personal phone calls at work. And unfortunetely for the same reason can not share my personal number. But I am so happy that you are doing ok!!"

If she calls and says she is not doing well, this could get sticky. Again, encourage her to be seen, call 911, whatever appropriate, and depending again on your policy, you could put her in touch with home health--and some home health agencies anyone can refer, so you could also do that. But be careful and seek assistance from your manager if you need it. You do NOT want to get into a situation where the patient ever says "welll, Krazziekid told me that I should......" Use your resources.

And it really is never a good idea that once the theraputic relationship ends that you can go on to be friends, have relationships with former patients....just not great practice and nurses have lost their jobs for less.

Be mindful and careful. And as a new nurse, get your own malpractice insurance. Best investment you can make.

[freshEDrn]

I get this all the time! Patients also love hugging me..