Nurses' attitudes to visiting in coronary care units

In many coronary care areas there are still restricted visiting times (Shaw 1989). This investigative study describes some relevant research in this area, and documents a small study of 14 nurses in two coronary care units (CCUs). A semi-structured interview was used to obtain information regarding nurses' attitudes to visiting. The results showed that the majority of these nurses are flexible when it comes to visiting, and expressed a relaxed attitude to it. Although in the areas investigated visiting times are specified, some nurses consider and act on the concept of individualised patient care. However, there are still some nurses who insist on doing everything for the patient in the morning and only allow relatives access in the afternoon. These nurses also believe visiting times are precious to the patients and relatives and will not intrude on them, which may limit communication.