My best friend is now a patient on the floor I work on

allnurses Guide · Sep 30, 2014

Honestly I wouldn't even post about it here.

It is a precarious situation and could have long term implications to your career. If it were me I would speak with HR immediately and request a temporary transfer.

Sent from my iPhone.

SubSippi · Sep 30, 2014

I just want to say that I'm sorry that you, your friend, and her family are going through this right now. It must be incredibly tough. I couldn't imagine having my best friend in that sort of condition, it would be all but impossible for me to try and micromanage each tiny aspect of her care.

I agree with all of the advice you have received. I would think that most people would understand that revealing information could put your job in jeopardy, and respect your decision to remain silent.

I'd also like to add that my aunt was a nurse in the ICU where my grandfather died. She was never his primary nurse, but was made his designated family spokesperson. She kept our family updated throughout his stay. She also worked several shifts while he was in the hospital, and HIPAA was never an issue.

I know the two situations are different, but I thought it may be appropriate to mention.

psu_213, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2014

First, I agree about trying to get a temporary transfer off the unit. I understand that this person is your best friend and that they would not turn you in…however, it only takes one accusation by some (a family member, a mutual "friend," fellow staff) to make some sort of accusation either of favoritism or breach of confidentiality and then it can mean bad news for you.

I do realize, however, that a transfer may not be possible…so, protect yourself if you are on the floor. Never (!) go in the chart. For any patient, you can only go in the chart if you are caring for them and only in the parts of the chart that are necessary for providing care to that patient. As a CNA, you would have very little need to go into any chart anyway, but be especially careful with this one.

Usually you can't tell family or friends how a patient did, but it is especially true in this case. I know that you only do it out of concern for your friend and her family; however, you have no right to do this, even if this person were not your friend. Don't take this the wrong way, but as a CNA you are only able to give them part of the story anyway, especially since you can't go in the chart. Plus, it is not really fair to the family/friends and the patient to say "oh, I heard she had a seizure today. I don't really know if everything is OK or if there is something else going on…" If family/friends want info, refer them to the assigned nurse.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2014

I don't understand why the nurses you work with are "stumped" on this issue. It's pretty clear that you should reveal NOTHING that you know about your friend's condition to anyone, regardless of how or when you learned it. It is NOT YOUR PLACE to give out information-that is the right of the patient and her POA only.

I totally agree with Esme:

No you may NOT give updates....to ANYONE. You may not "ask" about her care other than what is necessary for you to do your job. You may not report to anyone about her condition. If they ask tell them they need to speak to the POA or the staff who care for her...you will lose your job and it is against the law.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Sep 30, 2014

I don't understand why the nurses you work with are "stumped" on this issue. It's pretty clear that you should reveal NOTHING that you know about your friend's condition to anyone, regardless of how or when you learned it. It is NOT YOUR PLACE to give out information-that is the right of the patient and her POA only.

THIS.

I don't understand why they are "stumped" either...

Does your workplace have HIPPA training, as well as a risk department to contact if you have any questions?

Try to go through HR or risk management to assist in being aware of HIPPA, as well as make sure you are adhering to HIPPA guidelines, including not giving any more information that may reveal who you are on this site-nursing is a VERY small world...

Best wishes

TXJDRN · Sep 30, 2014

I agree with the postings above. And when your friend needs help eating or walking to the commode, then she is no longer unresponsive and can give you permission to share her information with others (or hopefully talk to them herself).

studentnursemon86 · Sep 30, 2014

I am a nursing student and part time CNA, and my best friend is now a patient on the floor I work on - in fact I was initially assigned to her but had to refuse. I am confused on what I can and cannot know or do according to HIPAA. I know I can't look at her medical chart but if I happen to be working one day and I happen to overhear or notice something regarding her condition and her care (I.e she threw a tantrum, had a seizure, had a bladder scan done, or even just saying she's better or worse) )can I tell her family and friends about it? How would it be any different from a concerned visitor giving her family and friends an update when visiting for the day? What questions can I ask the staff regarding her care if anything?
To complicate matters - I can't ask my friends permission to share information because she is disoriented and unresponsive. I know the power of attorney but she is out of state. A friend also came to visit today so she knows I work on that floor and I'm not sure if she's told anyone that I work there and if so, they might be expecting me to give them updates while I'm there.
I asked the charge nurse and other experienced nurses about it but they were a bit stumped. Feedback is appreciated - I've been a bit distant because I'm not sure how involved I can get now - thanks.

When in doubt, say nothing. I had a situation where an old high school friend was a patient on my floor. Her family saw me working one day and bombarded me with questions. I didn't have the answers, nor could I tell them. I told them to talk to her or her doctor.

Just visit your friend on your off time if you are able to. I hope she gets well soon.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Sep 30, 2014

"This is my Vegas. What happens here, stays here".

If you are a visitor, then let the nurses and other staff do their jobs. Excuse yourself out of the room and let them do their thing. If there comes a time that you can help in the future, meaning at home or skilled care or rehab....then would be the time to help should you want to.

You are a friend. And friends keep confidential things confidential. This is a confidential thing. I would not even confirm that you know where your friend is. The best thing you could do is respect privacy.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

Ever see Hogan's Heros? If not you're missing some good classic stuff! Anyhow, you need to channel Sgt. Shultz and in your best German accent repeat "I know nothing!" if and when anyone asks you about information on your friend!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Oct 2, 2014

And THIS is why yearly education is mandated on things such as HIPAA.... :banghead:

I don't understand why the nurses you work with are "stumped" on this issue. It's pretty clear that you should reveal NOTHING that you know about your friend's condition to anyone, regardless of how or when you learned it. It is NOT YOUR PLACE to give out information-that is the right of the patient and her POA only.
I totally agree with Esme:

Okie36 · Oct 2, 2014

Back many moons ago when I was a bright eyed,bushy tailed CNA, I worked oncology...late one night I was told by my charge that I was getting an admission. I was prepping the room when I heard a familiar voice behind me..my dad was my admission, diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I immediately contacted the nursing supervisor and asked to be floated to another assignment...all of my family knew I worked there and constantly asked me to look up this test or that X-ray....I simply told them that he was not my patient and I didn't have acess to that info...technically, it wasn't a lie...he wasn't my patient.....that's exactly what I would do in this situation.....do not get yourself involved! No good can come from it!

Dianenicolexox · Oct 2, 2014

yeah, In my opinion unfortunately DO NOT SAY a word.. one time in clinical a family member of a fellow student was on our floor and she asked one of my class mates how the family member was doing and my classmate told her general things then reported her for HIPAA violation, she then had a hard time getting letters of recommendation etc and now it's on her record... sneaky, cut throat, sly whatever.. just saying not worth it, true story