RN as patient in own hospital

[shazzrn]

A few months ago, I was a patient in the ER of the hospital where I work. Just a quick in and out, but for a reason I didn't wish anyone else but who was treating me to know about.

I never spoke to anyone outside of the ER on my visit. A few days ago another RN and I were talking and I found out that my manager had told her about my ER visit. And even embelished and fabricated some of the details (to make the story more entertaining I guess...). My manager told this RN that I had called and told her (which I didn't) and the details my manager knew, she would have only known by looking into the nurses notes from my chart or speaking to ER staff (which I don't think is the case.).

This can't be okay, right? What options do I have?

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Report it. Pass Go and let the government collect 50 grand from your organization. That'll learn them.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

I wouldn't confront the manager without proof. the nurse who told YOU, could, in fact, be the violator. Go to the privacy officer, get it investigated, and go from there.

[monkeybug]

Wow, would that make me angry. Someone, either your manager or the tattle-tale, accessed your private, protected information. I would not let this rest. If YOU were the one doing the accessing of a random patient, do you think they would let it die down? I doubt it. Call the Privacy Officer, and don't let them sweep it under the rug.

[Julius Seizure]

I think you definitely need to consider if you are ok with her losing her job over this before going to HR or the privacy officer. If that is something you don't want, then I think you need to just confront her yourself and leave it at that. And next time, make it clear to the ER staff that you are not wanting anyone to know you are there so that your chart has a special privacy note on it (we call it a ZZ at our hospital) - shouldn't be needed, but I do it just so they have an extra reminder to mind their business.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

A few months ago, I was a patient in the ER of the hospital where I work. Just a quick in and out, but for a reason I didn't wish anyone else but who was treating me to know about.

I never spoke to anyone outside of the ER on my visit. A few days ago another RN and I were talking and I found out that my manager had told her about my ER visit. And even embelished and fabricated some of the details (to make the story more entertaining I guess...). My manager told this RN that I had called and told her (which I didn't) and the details my manager knew, she would have only known by looking into the nurses notes from my chart or speaking to ER staff (which I don't think is the case.).

This can't be okay, right? What options do I have?

Just to clarify, do you KNOW that your manager told this nurse about you, or is this all hearsay from nurse #1?

In any event, if you have an EMR, your compliance office can always audit to see who logged into your file.

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

I think you definitely need to consider if you are ok with her losing her job over this before going to HR or the privacy officer. If that is something you don't want, then I think you need to just confront her yourself and leave it at that. And next time, make it clear to the ER staff that you are not wanting anyone to know you are there so that your chart has a special privacy note on it (we call it a ZZ at our hospital) - shouldn't be needed, but I do it just so they have an extra reminder to mind their business.

Not sure if your unit is electronic or not, but in most facilities, this is not possible.

A patient doesn't have to ask for privacy, employee or not.

Yes, I would be 100% ok with my manager losing her job. Because if they are snooping and gossiping about one thing, you can bet your bottom dollar they are doing it with other employees and with other things.

Some people don't need to be nurses or managers.

I agree that the OP should not confront the manager. The privacy officer will investigate and tell her if her information was compromised. That is the beauty of electronic charting...a very distinct trail.

[redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN]

A few months ago, I was a patient in the ER of the hospital where I work. Just a quick in and out, but for a reason I didn't wish anyone else but who was treating me to know about.

I never spoke to anyone outside of the ER on my visit. A few days ago another RN and I were talking and I found out that my manager had told her about my ER visit. And even embelished and fabricated some of the details (to make the story more entertaining I guess...). My manager told this RN that I had called and told her (which I didn't) and the details my manager knew, she would have only known by looking into the nurses notes from my chart or speaking to ER staff (which I don't think is the case.).

This can't be okay, right? What options do I have?

Aaaaand this is why I wouldn't want to go to my hospital for treatment! (Not that you should HAVE to avoid your hospital in order for your privacy to be respected though.) Yeah you need to talk to the privacy officer. I would be HOT.

[Sadala, ADN, RN]

In my area, all of the hospitals are apparently linked. Even were they not linked, it's a small world after all here. In the healthcare industry (and everywhere else) everyone knows everyone. It makes me highly uncomfortable in terms of seeking care. Were I to need hospitalization here, I'm just not sure where I would go, honestly. Perhaps a neighboring state if my insurance would allow it.

[kakamegamama]

Violation of HIPAA is violation, no matter who the culprit is. Report to the privacy office and let them handle it. As to the manager losing her/his job...if that should happen, it was his/her decision (or, perhaps the nurse who told you) to violate HIPAA. Yes, it would perhaps be sad for them to lose their job over this, but, it would be their own fault...not yours. Just as you should be held accountable for your actions, so should the manager.