Intensive Care Unit Visitation Guidelines

DEPARTMENT: Intensive Care Unit
SCOPE: This policy applies to the Intensive Care Unit.

PURPOSE:

The goal of the Intensive Care staff at Nashville General Hospital (NGH) is to provide a safe and quiet environment that maximizes recovery and the patient's ability to rest. We believe visitation from the patient's family or visitor of choice assists in the healing/recovery process. To ensure the adequate rest periods in between procedures and treatments, we have established visiting times that support these initiatives.

POLICY:

1. Because our patients require a much higher level of care, occasionally, staff may have to ask visitors to step out during regular visiting hours so we may provide the highest level of care to our patient.
   
   PROCEDURE:
   1. Visitation: The primary support person may always stay in the room. Only 2 VISITORS are allowed in the room during visiting hours which includes the primary support person. NGH reserves the right to determine when it is necessary to limit visitation outside of this policy. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to:
      1. A patient's need for privacy;
      2. Behavior presenting a direct risk or threat to patients or staff;
      3. Performance of invasive treatments/procedures; or
      4. A court order limiting or restraining contact.
      5. Visiting hours for Intensive Care are as follows:
         1. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
         2. 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
         3. 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
            
             
      6. So that staff may have uninterrupted time for caregiver to caregiver hand off and to perform a thorough assessment of the patient. The primary support person may stay in the room during this time, but we ask that his person remain in the room until the completion of shift report. All visitors, not currently in the patient's room, may return to the family waiting room located on the 3rd floor. The alloted visiting hours have been established to afford time for special treatments and procedures, reduce transmission of infection, and decrease interruptions in the patient care activities.
         
          
   2. Distribution of Patient Information:
       
      1. We ask that each patient have only one (1) designated contact person. The role of this individual is to relay information received from care providers to other family members so that everyone stays informed.
      2. When the intensive care unit staff receives a call or inquiry for information, this individual will be referred to the patient's contact person for additional information. Having a designated contact person allows members of the care team to spend more time with your loved one by decreasing the number of phone calls that interrupt care. If there is a change in the patient's status, the contact person will be the individual notified.
      3. Due to privacy laws, we cannot release any patient information over the phone without using a pass code specific to the patient. This code will be issued to the patient or his/her surrogate on admission.
         
          
   3. Overview of Visitation Guidelines for Intensive Care:
      1. There are 3 visiting sessions a day.
      2. Limit to 2 visitors in the patient's room during scheduled visiting hours and must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.
      3. The nursing staff will accept inquiries from the patient's designated contact person and all other inquiries will be referred to that designated person.
      4. Visitation during "off schedule" times may be allowed based on patient request or consent and if there is no clinical indication to limit visiting during the specified time.
      5. Fresh Flowers, balloons and plants are not permitted in the patient's room.
      6. Visitors are not permitted to have food and beverages in the Intensive Care area, including patient room.
      7. Before entering and exiting the patient room, we ask that you use the antibacterial foam located in the patient's room.
      8. If your loved one is on isolation you will be asked to wear a gown and gloves while in the room. Please dispose of these in the trash can before exiting the room. Please do not exit the isolation room with your gloves or gown on. Please do not bring any personal items into the isolation room.
      9. Visitors should be free of infection or illness and should not have experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, skin sash, vomiting or diarrhea within the 48 hours prior to visitation
      10. Please limit the number of trips in and out of the unit to help maintain a quiet environment and ensure safety.
      11. Please use the patient call light in the room when assistance is needed, and a staff member will be alerted to assist you.
      12. Nashville General is a tobacco-free facility. This includes smokeless tobacco and vapor or electronic devices.