who is at fault?

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  1. This is a discussion on who is at fault? in Nurse Colleague / Patient Relations, part of General Nursing ... I have a friend who recently had a very serious surgery. When she woke up the NP who was checking...

    by Jul 22, '12
    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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    by pink_shoes99 Jul 22, '12 10:03 am
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  3. 11 Comments so far...

  4. Jul 22, '12 by
    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.
    redhead_NURSE98!, DizzyLizzyNurse, and itsmejuli like this.
  5. Jul 22, '12 by
    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.
    GrnTea likes this.
  6. Jul 22, '12 by
    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.
  7. Jul 22, '12 by
    Fire her, sounds like the only thing to do and explain this to the new practioner.
  8. Jul 22, '12 by
    I'd also suggest complaining to her core group of employers.
  9. Jul 22, '12 by
    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!
  10. Jul 22, '12 by
    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.
  11. Jul 23, '12 by
    that NP should be reported...its a disgrace to Nursing profession
    redhead_NURSE98! likes this.
  12. Guide
    Jul 23, '12 by
    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~
    GrnTea likes this.