Dear Nancy,
If a minor child accompanies a patient admitted to the hospital, what is the nurse's versus the hospital's liability for the child? I always request the patient arrange for somebody to pick up the child or at least have another adult present who can take responsibility for the child, but occasionally, it is not possible The most recent incident involved a man having an appendectomy, and his nine-year-old child was left in the patient's room on the med/surg unit during the surgery. It's an awkward situation for the nurse.
Thank you,
Moria
Dear Nancy replies:
Dear Moria:
The situation you raise in your question is indeed a concern. No minor should be left alone in a hospital setting, or any other setting for that manner, without an adult present. It sounds as though you try to resolve the situation when you are faced with it, but, as you said, sometimes the resolutions do not work out.
The facility should have a policy concerning any unaccompanied minors in its hospital, because certainly it would face liability if there were an injury or death to the minor. An employee, such as yourself, also might be named in such a suit, since you are an employee, but your potential liability would be mitigated by your attempts to rectify the situation within the authority/power you have to do so.
This issue should be brought to the attention of the CNO and risk manager so a policy is put into place before something untoward occurs.
Preventing a problem with patients, families and visitors before it arises is the essence of risk management. It also should be the focus of the CNO and the practice of safe nursing within the facility.
Cordially,
Nancy
