[freebirth]

No offense taken, GG, and I have frequently run interference for my patients when they have let me know that certain visitors’ interactions with them aren’t going to be exactly therapeutic. That’s different than how we chase folks out when their loved one takes a turn for the worse.

[goat granny]

You are right on terminal patients, thats not the same as taking care of a non terminal patient...I, being a nurse was able to take both my parents into my home and they died there, not it a hospital..(mother died in 1977 and father in 1988....a generation ago, most people died at home...I also remember 2 uncles that were laid out at home and not a funeral parlor..Generations change.

But I bet you found as I did that visitors descending on a person in the hospital is not always the best and many visitors don't realize that. Its really not their fault and when explained to them in the hall most are thankful that I have explained to them why I requested to them what I did...and they have no problem with following rules once it is explained to them..

[goat granny]

You are right if someone is terminal its entirely different. In cases like that family and even close friends are comfort to the patient...but its also not appropriate for the visitors to jam into the room all at once. Up in the units its far different rules than on the floor. As nurse's we have seen it all. I found that sometimes people just don't know how to act, or are not really comfortable in a hospital and appreciate a little guidance on behavior...

Like me you have also probably had visitors walk into an isolation room without proper hospital garb that is sitting outside the room...I have had patients in respiratory isolation and had visitors get mad when you tell them to gown and mask, even gloves for some...

But most people are thankful for the information a nurse tells them...GG