"Confessional?"

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Occ health, Med/surg, ER.

I work in a occupational type setting. Recently, I had a patient confide in me about a medical condition that involved a sexually transmitted disease. Of course, I have to provide complete confidentiality. I have many patients coming and asking about STDs except this time.... I am very good friends with the employee's spouse.

I know that I can't say anything to the friend, but I would just like to know if anyone has been in this type of situation.

How many of you have been put in this situation? Any supportive comments or suggestions?

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Maybe I've just been up too many hours, but I'm not sure of your question. Is the friend-employee the one with the std ? None the less, Pt confid. is pt confid. , all you can do is be sure your doing your job. Morality etc... is up to the individual. Education etc,,, is your's. Hang in there.

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Specializes in Occ health, Med/surg, ER.

My friend is married to the one who told me about the STD. My friend probably doesnt suspect that they both might have a disease.

I dont really have a question. I know I just have to deal with it. I really just wanted support and to know if anybody has dealt with a similiar situation.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
My friend is married to the one who told me about the STD. My friend probably doesnt suspect that they both might have a disease.

I dont really have a question. I know I just have to deal with it. I really just wanted support and to know if anybody has dealt with a similiar situation.

I dont know where you work, but here in Texas we are required to treat and report all STDs to the Board of Health for the to do whatever it is they do.

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Specializes in OB/GYN,L&D,FP office,LTC.

I have been in that position many times. I just treat the patient.I know you are sorry for your friend but thats one of those things you kind of just have to put out of your head.I have also been asked in the past by a spouse if I had info but thats when I say

I don't know anything...I'm sure at times I have been thought "dumb as dirt" but thats

ok.;);)

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Specializes in SICU.

Wow, that's a tough one to deal with, but you're obligated to maintain confidentiality. Is there no centralized reporting of STDs where you are?

At minimum, perhaps you could provide education that explains that both partners need to be treated for the STD even if only one partner is known to have it? That would give you some resolution in knowing that you're giving the best advice possible that would also get your friend the medical treatment that he/she possibly needs.

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Specializes in SICU.

You know, come to think of it... this would bother me tremendously. I have to wonder why this person would come to you, knowing you're friends with their spouse, about something so intimate? A doctor's visit would be a sure fire way of "keeping the secret". You're more of a risk, you know?? In that you might spill the beans... or so this person thinks?

Puzzling, to say the least...

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It sounds to me like the employee was just "confessing" about the STD. They probably already went to a doc for treatment. I doubt OHNs actually are the ones who treat the STD, so the OP wouldn't be obligated to report it. That would be the treating provider to do.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Did you ask you friend if they reported all their sexual partners for treatment?

I had a friend who was contacted by the Health Dept. that he needed to come in for treatment, they did not tell him who reported him. It was all confidential.

The sexual partner has a right to be treated.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ED.

I kinda get the feeling that the pt confided in you because he knows you are friends with his spouse--like he is hoping you will tell her for him.

I would stress to him that confidentiality prevents you from saying anything to anyone, and that he needs to find a way to tell his spouse, especially if going untreated would lead to huge problems down the road for your friend.

Also, the dept of health requires notification of some STD's, if you tell them, they will call him and start the ball rolling. That's providing he has a reportable STD.

I am sorry that I have no other advice. This situation would bother me too.

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Specializes in L&D, peds NN, and recently outpatient..

You are reallly in a jam---unless you hold to patient accountable. For example stating that you will keep his/her confidence, you are bound to do so, but that you are required by law to report it to the health dept.

They have a system in place to take it from there. That gives the patient some time to tell the person/persons directly about it. I wish you well.

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

In this situation I would probably do some serious education about STDs and the consequences of not treating them properly for the person who shared their health information.

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