who is at fault?

Nurses Relations

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I have a friend who recently had a very serious surgery. When she woke up the NP who was checking on her was in the room. The NP and the pt (my friend) went to high school together over 10 yrs ago at which time the NP had accused the pt of "trying to steal her man (now husband)" which led to several arguments as well as a physical altercation. The NP is now using her power to withhold pain medication, refusing to return her calls and telling any provider the pt sees that she is a drug seeker even down to the pharmacists, which is disgusting to know. The question is, Should the NP have the responsibility to pass the case on to someone else and admit there is a conflict of interest? I'm just curious about other peoples opinions. Thanks!

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The NP is in the wrong. Regardless of whether your friend was a drug seeker( which I am not saying she is) it is not up to the NP to decide to withhold pain medication. Your friend should say something. She should have made it known when she saw the NP that she wants another practitioner, and that they have a past that will affect her treatment.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I think she should get another provider (or a loved one should help her with this since she's recuperating). All she needs to say is that she has a history with this provider and would prefer someone else.

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I know people like to say this stuff never happens, but I am one to say no, this kind of nonprofessional behavior is very common these days. If I were the patient, I'd just make an appointment with another provider and go get her records herself if possible. The first point of business with the new provider is calmly stating why you are there to see them. Be frank about the love triangle - "she thinks I tried to steal her boyfriend a few years back, and she even got physical about it. I feel she might not have let go of the past and it's affecting my care" nuff said. Embarrass the hell out of her, and have people talking? Yes honey, there are consequences...

If it persists, you might get some legal advice.

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Specializes in Assisted Living nursing, LTC/SNF nursing.

Fire her, sounds like the only thing to do and explain this to the new practioner.

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I'd also suggest complaining to her core group of employers.

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I assume she is inpatient? If so she can ask for another provider. If she is outpatient she can easily leave that provider. She should not tolerate this a minute longer!

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It is up to the patient to request another provider. If she doesn't say something, they can't act on her wishes. She could have said something in the beginning and no one would have faulted her, now it is imperative that she requests another caregiver.

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that NP should be reported...its a disgrace to Nursing profession

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

unquestionably, there's always 3 sides to a story however, in this case i would have requested another medical staff to look after me. in addition, the np in question could face legal charges as well if your friend can proof that she has been suffering on account of her care. wishing your friend the best and a speedy recovery...aloha~

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Ask for another provider. Simple, end of problem. No need to say the NP is being unprofessional as doubt we have the entire story. Some times its also best to just stay out of situations - common sense dictates the answer in this situation.

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Ask for another provider. Simple, end of problem. No need to say the NP is being unprofessional as doubt we have the entire story. Some times its also best to just stay out of situations - common sense dictates the answer in this situation.

I was just asking peoples opinions and trying to have a discussion on this, as it really bothered me that someone would abuse their power in such a way. I wasn't waiting patiently for responses to advise her on what to do. Unfortunately in my area specialists are limited and changing providers can't be done so easily, however she is in the process of trying to do so. Thanks everyone for your opinions so far!

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