AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I nursed my own Mother and Grandmother at home when they were dying so I have personal experience with the emotions involved. I have also spent the last 15+ years as a Registered Nurse caring for The Elderly and Terminally Ill and it has brought me great satisfaction. I am willing to answer any questions I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care Residents as well as hundreds of Cleitns and families in the community (including my Mother and Grandmother).
Question My best friend Bob is dying and I have known him for over 27 years. He is the most important person in my life but is not a family member. Our society does not recognize friends as being important when someone is dying.
My workplace will not give the time I need from my job to be with him because he isn't a family member or a spouse.
The hospital and nursing staff causes me grief when I try to visit him because I am not a family member.
I even notice that all of the experts listed here are geared towards families and family members.
What do you do when the most important person in your life is a friend and not a family member and you need support and time from your job; and to be allowed to visit your friend when at the health care facility (hospital)?
Sharon
Answer Hi Sharon and thanks for writing,
For the hospital I would ask Bob's family to speak to the Nurses on the unit and even put a note in his chart that your are family to Bob as you are his closest friend. Personally I can't believe you're being treated that way, it must be a very backwards hospital.
As for work, you need to speak to your boss and explain your career is important but so is your firendship with Bob and talk about arranging a Leave of Absence or flexible hours so you can be with him and not have to call in sick or get terminated for missing too much work.
