If a nurse allowed a former employee to spend several hours visiting at work (behind the desk, in patient rooms, etc.) when patients were present, would this constitute a HIPAA violation?

Where is this, ( with the exception of behind the desk) is visitors allowed in rooms.

I know for example in a nursing home I wonder though in and out of rooms all the time talking to residences

I know in the hospital I often go visit from varoius rooms.

What info did they get during their visit

Yes this is a HIPAA violation as the former employee has no rights to the information provided. Heck, I can't even look up my FIL's info and he is at the same hospital I work for.