midlandrn

We too have open visiting in a 15 bed general ICU. We do close at shift change and discourage visiting after 10pm. We have had these hours for about 8years and they can definitely be challenging. People just don't understand when you are pumping on someone's chest that perhaps that is not a real good time to ask for a pillow. As much as I was used to (and most times would prefer) a tighter control on visiting, I think the patients really do need the comfort of that familiar person. For the most part also, visitors are very cooperative and have no problem stepping out for procedures, etc. Don't get me wrong though, a couple of days of "visiting only at the top of the even hour for 10 minutes and close at 6pm until 10am"......would be kind of nice. Make sure if they insist on staying, you put them to work. The rooms are small and there's no space for standing around watching us work. show them where the linen is and the tv controller and the ice machine, etc. It will get better.:icon_roll