Visitor policy

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Visiting or contacting a patient

Updated December 9, 2024

To protect our patients, staff and community from the risks associated with COVID-19, we have visitor guidelines in place at all our locations.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Running nose

Or if you’ve recently tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, we ask you to postpone your visit.

Masks

Masks are optional for: 

  • Patients without COVID-19 symptoms, staff, visitors, volunteers and vendors.

Masks are strongly encouraged for:

  • Cancer and transplant patients, and those visiting or escorting these patients.

Masks are required for:

  • People in the rooms of patients with some infectious health conditions.
  • People with symptoms of respiratory illness.
  • When requested by patients or family members of patients.

Masks will remain available at all our locations.   

Outpatient visitors

One or two visitors may accompany each patient for clinical or procedural appointments.

All outpatient visitors must: 

  • Not have symptoms of COVID-19 and follow masking and hand hygiene guidelines.

Learn more about what to expect when you arrive for your next visit

Emergency Department visitors

Nebraska Medical Center

We allow one visitor in the waiting room for all patients. 

If waiting room becomes overcrowded, visitors may be directed to Storz Pavilion or Clarkson Cafe inside Clarkson Tower to wait.

Two visitors can accompany a patient once patient is roomed.

All visitors must follow hospital safety protocols. 

Bellevue Medical Center

Two adult visitors may accompany each patient. 

All visitors must follow hospital safety protocols. 

Inpatient visitors

Inpatients can have two healthy visitors at a time. 

Those wanting to visit patients with COVID-19, or those suspected of having COVID-19, must wear personal protective equipment.

General visitor hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Visitors and escorts will be asked to leave if our guidelines aren't followed. 

Overnight visitor hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week. One adult family support person (19 years or older) is allowed to visit during this time.

Our visitor guidelines:

  • Follow the masking guidelines in the patient's care area.
  • Do not eat or drink in patient rooms or waiting areas.
  • Wash your hands before entering and upon leaving patient rooms.
  • Stay in the patient's room during the entire visit.
  • Respect our visitor rules. One or two visitors are allowed at one time.
  • The family support person may switch out during overnight hours, but only one person is allowed at a time.

Nebraska Medicine CARES

We are committed to creating a restful and healing space for our patients. Please join us by using these positive and respectful actions.

  • Compassion: Be kind. Offer support.  
  • Appreciation: Value everyone’s efforts. Honor individual differences.
  • Respect: Be respectful in your actions and words. Show others they are valued.
  • Empathy: Listen without judging. Seek to understand.
  • Safety: Protect everyone’s physical and emotional well-being. 

Violence, threats, verbal abuse, aggression or discrimination will not be tolerated by anyone for any reason.

Nos comprometemos a crear un espacio de descanso y sanación para nuestros pacientes. Únase a nosotros utilizando estas acciones positivas y respetuosas.

  • Compasion: Sea amable. Ofrezca apoyo. 
  • Aprecion: Valore los esfuerzos de todos. Respete las diferencias individuales.
  • Respeto: Muestre respeto en sus acciones y palabras. Muestre a los demás que son valorados.
  • Empatia: Escuche sin juzgar. Busque comprender.
  • Seguridad: Proteja el bienestar físico y emocional de todos.

Nadie tolerará la violencia, las amenazas, el abuso verbal, la agresión o la discriminación por ningún motivo.