[RNSC]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,383641,00.html

OK what kind of jerk does this before finding out how the patient feels about tattoos? Not everyone feels positive about them.So smart they're stupid comes to mind. Isn't this some kind of battery? Even if the tattoo is a temp.

[Teleflurry]

Now patients are gonna start suing us nurses when we draw happy faces on their boards next to our names because "happy faces make them emotionally distressed and need punitive reward".

[Jolie]

Originally Posted by Teleflurry

Now patients are gonna start suing us nurses when we draw happy faces on their boards next to our names because "happy faces make them emotionally distressed and need punitive reward".

I think there is a huge difference between drawing on a message board and altering the appearance of a patient's body (especially in a private location). What kind of sicko puts a rose tattoo under an unconscious patient's panties? If he thought it was such a nice way to cheer his patient up, why not ask her permission to do it?

[KaroSnowQueen]

I can see where he "might" think that would cheer people up, although proper surgical technique and pain control would make me happier. I do not think the doc in question made smart choices.
HOWEVER, I do not think it deserves a court case. It's temporary, it comes off with rubbing alcohol or whatever. Take if off, and go on down the road. Big freakin' deal. I think the patient over-reacted. Next thing you know people will sue because it upset them to hear a bad diagnosis.

[Jolie]

I guess I'm the odd man out here. I think this doctor's actions were highly unprofessional, border on sexual abuse and are likely a sign of bigger things to come if his actions are not reigned in now. (I strongly suspect mental illness or sexually predatory behavior.) If he wanted to cheer his patient up, like the Wal-Mart greeter, her could have placed a temporary tattoo on her forearm. That would still be wierd, in my opinion, but not sexually inappropriate. He chose her private area for a reason.

[Silverdragon102]

If he felt like that why not discuss with the patient before hand and gain her permission. Sorry but I wouldn't have been happy if it was me but I doubt I would have sued him either

[ck2007]

Actually, I think the location of the tattoo was due to the location of the surgery site. You couldn't really have the tattoo too close to the site for risk of infection, but close enough proximity to see. I've had abdominal surgery and the scar causes some embarassment for me. I think a temporary tattoo would have lifted my spirits some. Of course I'm probably younger than this woman. I don't think this Dr. was being sexually inappropriate, I think if it were me I would think it was sweet and funny. BUT, that's me, not everyone thinks like me. I also agree, it's temporary. Wash it off, quit crying, and move on. Nothing was hurt on her, and she survived her surgery.

[Alex_RN2b09]

I see both sides of this argument. I know if it happened to me I'd laugh and think it was a little odd but sure why not. I could see being offended because of the area of placement for the tattoo and the lack of consent but the tattoo itself is completely removable, so any long term harm would have to be psychological.

Bottom line the doctor should have known better or at least thought things through a bit and the patient is probably overreacting more then a little. It's not like it's the first naked person the surgeon has ever seen, hell the tech or nurse probably put it on anyways.

[ck2007]

Ooops, sorry I thought the article said hernia, not herniated disc. Oh well, don't know why the guy put it below the panty line.????

[PiPhi2004]

It sounds that, from the article, that this guy was a very personable doctor and this will likely ruin his practice. Can't help but feel bad for him and patients who he could've helped if hes out of practice for awhile. However, I am not one bit suprised that it had this type of reaction, especially since it says he's done them before. Eventually, someone would get mad. Seeking damages for something like this seems a little much though. I wish people realized that they are ruining a guy's livlihood over something so trivial.