Visitation needs reported by patients with cardiac disease and their families.

Results suggest some factors that nurses in an MICU might consider to create an environment better adapted to the persons in residence in that environment. While there are areas of agreement between patients and family about visitation, the nurse may need to respond to family member and patient needs and preferences that are sometimes agonistic. Nurses can play a pivotal role in advocating and supporting visitation practices individualized to patients' and family members' needs.