Pt having a "friend" over for "special nursing care"

[delphine22]

You know what I mean. . .a patient having someone of the opposite sex (or the same sex! that's happened too) that they are romantically involved with, spend the night (thankfully in a private room) and performing overt sex acts, to the horror of the poor CNA who has to come in and fix her tele leads, which have obviously come loose from all the activity.

I was horrified to know that not only does my hospital not have a policy against this, but the house supervisor told me I was not allowed to tell them to stop! These are sick people here! I understand people say they have "physical needs," but can we draw a line somewhere?!

[sjalv]

I'm very liberal and very open minded sexually, but it's a hospital, not a hotel. A nurse shouldn't have to worry if they're gonna find semen stains on the sheets, if they're gonna have to hear moaning coming from the room, etc. Seriously? Some people think this is okay? It's different if it's a nursing home, but we're talking acute care here.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Why should there be a policy against it? If they're in a room and not bothering anyone it shouldn't matter. Sexual urges don't disappear just because you're in a hospital.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I think that is a little harsh. Judgmental ignorant comments come from all kinds of people.

I think we should be tolerant, and respectful, of others opinions.

IMHO I think they can wait to get their freak on until they get home. It is really unnecessary to have sex in a public place even though technically it is perfectly legal for them to do so in their PRIVATE ROOM. If they wish to continue and if it doesn't cause a health risk to the patient i ignore them....they are looking for attention.

I usually ask the staff to be respectful if they are in a private room. If there is a patient in another bed I ask the couple to refrain from sexual activity.....if they cannot I move them....or call the MD for a AM discharge.

I will tell visitors that they may not have sex in the waiting rooms or public restrooms. I will call the police if they cannot comply.

[liberated847]

I think that is a little harsh. Judgmental ignorant comments come from all kinds of people.

Agree, I take that comment back.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Agree, I take that comment back.

All good....:)

[liberated847]

Thanks :)

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

"Cripes on a cracker it is a MIRACLE!!! Ya'll get your clothes on, and I shall call the MD right this minute so that you can be discharged!! Mir-i-cle I say--WOO HOO!!"

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Say's who?! So you're saying that one can't have sex in a private apartment if you have a roommate? As long as they are quiet and curtains are closed, I don't see a problem

The difference is generally in an apt, one has chosen their roommates, presumably after such behaviors were discussed previously. And the roommate can leave, or move out.

The same is not true in the hospital, where the roommates did not get to interview prospective roommates. And the roommate may not be able to leave the room, depending on their condition .

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Why should there be a policy against it? If they're in a room and not bothering anyone it shouldn't matter. Sexual urges don't disappear just because you're in a hospital.

True enough, however, partner brings some Viagra for some planned playtime. Patient is on tele floor. Patient given nitro as patient is there for cardiac observation and care.

Patient bottoms out due to a heckuva lot more than expert handling. And there's no quicker way for a policy to be produced, and a nurse to be held liable than when you have a now critical patient (and a rapid reponse) because the patient was knocking boots with the help of a little blue pill, all unknown or ignored by the nurse.

And suddenly it is the NURSE'S lack of common sense that would be called into question.....

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I work in pt psych. The Pts have sex, which I've never seen. The aides tell me what's going on. HIV precaution teaching, Hepatitis screenings and body and genital lice check as well as pregnancy tests take up quite a bit of my time, sometimes!! Oh and safe sex teaching.

[duskyjewel]

Sexual urges don't disappear just because you're in a hospital.

And of course sexual urges absolutely MUST be acted upon immediately, every single time you have one.....

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I think MOST people's "lifestyles" include sex.

Depending on why they're in the hospital, I don't know that it's totally out of line that they might be fooling around.

Yes, but not in a public building. Such as the library bathroom stall or grocery store. Especially with roommates. It's just not a regular hospital activity. Long term care folks can do their thing.