Staying in touch with pt after discharge

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

I have a patient who has been back in the hospital for the second time in about 6 months. She is older and I got to know her and her husband a little bit the first time. When she was discharged she asked to stay in touch and I told her that I couldn't. She gave me her address, but I never contacted her.

Now she is back in the hospital and asked again. This time she gave me an e-mail address. I mentioned this to one of the more seasoned nurses I work with, that I respect, thinking she would say "oh don't do it", but she didn't. Instead she responded "oh I exchanged e-mail address with her, it is only an e-mail address". I was surprised, but started thinking I might be just a bit too uptight regarding the situation.

Does anyone out there know if the nursing code of ethics says anything regarding nurse/patient relationships? I don't really remember and I don't have a copy.

Any thoughts?

I think it is inappropriate - you have a professional nurse-patient relationship, don't muddle that up. :no:

VegRN · Jun 22, 2008

Inappropriate. You should not have any contact with patients that you care for when they are no longer under your care. Isn't it against a law or nursing code of ethics to cross the nurse/patient relationship line?

I wouldn't do it. Also, what if the patient makes claims against you were the one that wanted to contact her? It seems that she could complain of harassment and it would be very hard to defend yourself in this case.

miko014 · Jun 22, 2008

Eh, sticky situation. I'm sure she is innocent and all that, but it might not be long before she starts asking you for free nursing help/advice. You wouldn't want to be abused for your nursing skills, would you? Also, what they always told us in school (and what makes sense to me) is, what if all is well for awhile, and then there is some kind of argument or fight. Then all of a sudden it's, "when I was in the hospital, that nurse did blah blah blah" and you could be looking at an official complaint or a lawsuit. Just not something I am comfortable with! But some people do it with no problems, so I guess it's really up to you.

Riseupandnurse · Jun 22, 2008

Our facility formally takes a stand against patient-nurse relationships outside of the hospital, and I have to say I think they are absolutely right. It isn't a "friend" situation.

whodatnurse · Jun 22, 2008

This post reminded me of something I've been wondering about. Is there an etiquette or rule when you show up to work and find you're to care for a patient you have an acquaintance with? Do you have a discussion with them and ask if they would be more comfortable with someone they didn't know...or anything like that? (btw...I haven't started my nursing program yet if this is something everyone knows the 'right' answer to once they do)...

angel337, MSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

pt's have given me their business cards, or told me what restaurant/business they own. but never a direct invitation. i would decline anyway.

Texas Tornado · Jun 22, 2008

the pt is older, very ill and home bound. other than this request she has been totally appropriate. while i would put money on it that that this would not become a problem, i realize there is no guarantee. it is a slippery slope that i can't afford to go down.

i agree with all your posts and know that you are all correct. i guess i was just looking for validation. i have always said the same thing (only a nurse for a year, but working in healthcare with pt's for about 15 and have never been crossed this line).

i don't even have a great desire to keep in touch w/ this pt. when it comes down to it i just hate to hurt her feelings. however i did explain to her that i'm not able to stay in touch and hopefully she will understand.

thanks for the feedback!

Epona · Jun 22, 2008

Hi Texas. You said you explained to her that you could not keep in touch. How did you go about doing that? What did you say to her? I am wondering what I should say if a patient asks me to do the same. I do not want to hurt their feelings either.

Thanks! Epona

Texas Tornado · Jun 22, 2008

I just told her it was against the rules. I didn't explain further b/c it just seemed like anything I would say would hurt her feelings.... "you may turn out to be crazy after all and accuse me of something".

The truth is and what would be more likely is that she will return to my unit as a pt and I don't want to become friends with her b/c that would be awkward.

I've been asked by other pt's to stay in touch and have not had a problem saying no before. Still trying to figure out why this is different, but I think it is because she has been on the unit for longer periods of time then most of our pt's and I've gotten to know her a bit better. Not really sure, but I obviously needed a little reality check.

lpnstudentin2010, LPN · Jun 22, 2008

FROM THE PATIENT SIDE OF THINGS.....I have stayed in contact with one of my nurses. She was one of my OR nurses. I had NOT asked to, but I sent her a thank you note, with a return address on the envelope, that Christmas I got a card from her and we exchange cards every year now.

Epona · Jun 22, 2008

I see. Well thanks for the response. I appreciated it! :)