To Tell or Not To Tell

[MiAmorPickles]

I work in private duty nursing. I met a nurse this morning at my current assignment who just stopped working an assignment I had also previously worked on before this current one. She remarked that she needed to leave because the nurse's there were giving her a hard time because she wanted to do things by the book, i.e., count the narcs at the beginning of her shift, etc. Anyway, she remarked that one of the nurses on that particular job--whom I actually oriented to take my place--is asking for and accepting money from the patient's mother due to a gambling problem. She said she didn't tell the office about it and was wondering whether she should. I told her this was a big deal--a violation of patient boundaries--but I gathered from our conversation she just wants to put it all behind her and move on. I am tempted to call the office and give them a heads up on the situation. However, it would just be secondhand information and I don't want to look like a busybody. Words of wisdom anybody?

[caliotter3]

Write a statement attributing the 'accusation' to the nurse who told you this. Provide this statement to the agency and keep a copy for yourself. As far as it being heresay, etc., it is not your call to worry about the resolution of the situation. Your responsibility is to report the information. Let the authorities do the investigation and take further action(s).

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Very messey

[Jules A, MSN]

I diffuse situations like this because the person who told you this is cowardly and drug you into something you had no business having to deal with. I'd have dumped right back in her lap during the conversation. If it is true she is obligated to report and if it is gossip I don't want even hear it.

[MiAmorPickles]

That is the same advice another nurse friend gave me. I have made it a habit not to repeat secondhand info to higher ups during my career and I don't know if it's old age or what making me second guess my normal reactions to something like this!! Thanks for the words of wisdom and I am officially dusting my hands of the whole kit and kaboodle.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Report the issue anonymously. You still have a duty to report, now the powers that be can investigate.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You do NOT want to have to explain why you did not report this ethical and legal violation.

[Jules A, MSN]

That is the same advice another nurse friend gave me. I have made it a habit not to repeat secondhand info to higher ups during my career and I don't know if it's old age or what making me second guess my normal reactions to something like this!! Thanks for the words of wisdom and I am officially dusting my hands of the whole kit and kaboodle.

Although since you didn't insist she report and tell her you would, and her name would be cited as the second hand source, if she didn't I'm not sure your obligation has been met.

[caliotter3]

Fine and dandy if everyone decides to sweep it under the rug. But what if the other nurse spills the beans about telling you when she gets caught up explaining her actions? It wouldn't be the first time a guilty party took someone else down with them. You are not thinking this through with regard to protecting your own interests. Even if you were to convince the other nurse to report it, you would still need to explain your part in all of this. You became implicated the moment the other nurse finished telling you about it.

[Jules A, MSN]

Even if you were to convince the other nurse to report it, you would still need to explain your part in all of this. .

I'm not sure I understand this. Other than insisting the RN with the information report what part would nurse 2 have played and why would anyone care? OP this is actually a very interesting thread!

[ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN]

Secondhand information is technically gossip unless you are INCREDIBLY sure of the source. Personally, I wouldn't want to report something that I didn't know was a fact. You are messing with someone else's career and livelihood. If the info seems credible enough you feel the need to speak up, do so. Otherwise, I'd wait until I had proof myself, but keep my eyes wide open.

[RuthBryan]

I completely agree with Been there,done that, you should report this issue anonymously.