Visiting hours?

I suggest focusing on building relationships with families instead of thinking in terms of "constantly kicking them out" and being an "enforcer." Obviously you prefer more restrictive visiting arrangements, but try not to show this attitude to the patient or their family as numerous studies and patient/family member accounts show that unrestricted visitation is beneficial for both patients and their family members. Family members are more likely to be reasonable and co-operative with you if you treat them respectfully and considerately in the knowledge that they are the patient's support system, will often be caring for the patient when they are discharged, and very often know a great deal about the patient's medical condition/s and are able to help the patient during their stay by advocating for their needs. Often just a request that the family members don't shut the patient's door because it could endanger the patient and hinder them from receiving prompt care, or explaining why it is necessary for the pumps to beep, will be sufficient for the family member/s to change their behavior. From your post history I understand that you are a recent graduate, so I am surprised that unrestricted visiting is a new concept for you. Nursing care is centered on the patient and their family, not on what is most convenient for the nurse.

We just advise families upon admission that in the ICU, care continues through the night. Baths, routine xrays, incontinence care, repositioning, etc happen. We support their desire to be with their loved one, but we can't promise that their sleep will be uninterrupted-- because it will get interrupted.

With certain difficulties, like the family who put a bunch of air mattresses into the family waiting room, or whose toddlers were crawling around at 0200 -- true stories -- we don't enforce ourselves. We call security and ask them to address the situation.

Most people in my experience though, when explained why we have to leave the door open, or require privacy when pt's body exposed, why we need to maintain unfettered access to the patient (so no, all y'all can't bring your camping gear) etc they understand. Might not love, but understand. :)

We just advise families upon admission that in the ICU, care continues through the night. Baths, routine xrays, incontinence care, repositioning, etc happen. We support their desire to be with their loved one, but we can't promise that their sleep will be uninterrupted-- because it will get interrupted.

With certain difficulties, like the family who put a bunch of air mattresses into the family waiting room, or whose toddlers were crawling around at 0200 -- true stories -- we don't enforce ourselves. We call security and ask them to address the situation.

Most people in my experience though, when explained why we have to leave the door open, or require privacy when pt's body exposed, why we need to maintain unfettered access to the patient (so no, all y'all can't bring your camping gear) etc they understand. Might not love, but understand. :)

The toddler issue is one we see a lot...Do you call security for that too?