I work in a hospital in California, and have taken care of a patient whose family is very controlling of all aspects of her care. They have gone so far as to make a list of the nurses whom they approve of to care for their loved one. They gave this list to the Nursing Director of the hospital, and she approved it. I'm on the list, but am the only nurse for the shift I work, so I'll always take care of this patient. I've never refused a patient care assignment, but I also don't want to put myself in a position to be sued by this overzealous family. I feel like the hospital administration has really let the nursing staff down, and put me and the other nurses on the list in a very compromised situation. Is there any action I can take other than talking to my superiors, who have been less than helpful? Any advice would be appreciated.
That is definitely letting the family go too far. Legally, no. Unless they're paying for private duty nursing 24 hours/day, 7 days a week they do not have any rights over what nurse takes care of their family member.
Refusing to take the patient can put your job at risk as there are few protections available unfortunately.
I'd get a consensus for how the other nurses "on the list" feel. In facilities that I work in, you get who you get unless complaints are filed against this nurse or that.
It's definitely a difficult situation for you to be in. I'm sorry to hear that your hospital administration has caved in like they have. Doesn't say much for their support of their own nursing staff.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com