I was on the phone with my mom in public and basically talked about how I wouldn’t want to be brain dead and have my family keep me alive forever and how I don’t want tube feeds and to just be a burden to my family. I also talked about how there’s been lots of shooting recently in my town and how in a new unit I will be on I will see lots of gunshot wounds and stories that are on the news.
I look over and see my patients daughter (my patient who has been on my unit for like 3 months) standing right next to me.
Can she get offended and then I get fired for this?
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
On 8/8/2019 at 6:38 PM, Mortaaaay said:
I was on the phone with my mom in public and basically talked about how I wouldn’t want to be brain dead and have my family keep me alive forever and how I don’t want tube feeds and to just be a burden to my family. I also talked about how there’s been lots of shooting recently in my town and how in a new unit I will be on I will see lots of gunshot wounds and stories that are on the news.
I look over and see my patients daughter (my patient who has been on my unit for like 3 months) standing right next to me.
Can she get offended and then I get fired for this?
You are not going to lose your license over this.
As far as what you said... well just try to be careful next time and make sure you have adequate privacy.
Oh, I thought you meant a public place still at work. I don't think there's any problem.
If it was on public media ,internet might be a problem,but you dont know what the family will tell others about this or their take on this,so be cautious,they might lie etc.
I would also try to switch patients if possible,keep out of their radar.
Don’t worry about it, if it comes up just deny it or tell the truth — that you were having a private conversation and she was listening in. You weren’t at work, you weren’t speaking about anyone in particular, and you aren’t responsible for her feelings when you’re far from work minding your own business.
I just want to point out, you were on the phone in public.... not at work. I think you’re over reacting and this patient’s daughter has way too much power over you. Who gives a flying hoot what she thinks????
In Australia? No way. In America? Everything seems to be open season. But you were just stating an opinion and not at work. Did she definitely hear you? Did she looked shocked or annoyed? Follow yr gut feeling on this one. My guess is dont worry too much.
Can I just say""stay off the phones in public"--Nothing is that life altering that it can't wait until you are home--We all worry about confidentially issues but how many times have I heard about your "lady partsl" problems at the car wash when you are so loud-giving all the info to your doctors office--Use your brain!!
Nowadays, ones can be fired with reasons or even none. Better be cautious when having conversation about matters similar to patient conditions. When overheard by someone who doesn't have sufficient knowledge about the matter it can create distorted perception that may lead to some extent of trouble.
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FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN
2,320 Posts
You can't be fired for any reason at all.
There is such a thing as wrongful termination, and it has consequences for employers.