charge RN not following contact precautions

[jamkpb]

Our whole unit is on contact prec., one of the patients had an emergency situation, and needed a line put in...the RN who went in followed protocol (gown, gloves) the charge nurse didn't (I overheard her dismissing the precautions to the nurse, and as I entered the room, she started to back pedal and say it was b/c it was an emergency).

I am stumped. I can't talk to her b/c she is not approachable and there is alot of gossip, back-stabbing, and bad practices that are systemic to the unit , so I would rather not put myself in a predicament. (and besides, I need to find another job..very toxic). Is it me, or should she have followed standard precautions.

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

Yes she should have. Yes you do need to find a new position if that one is toxic.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

At the next staff meeting ask your supervisor what should be done when a co-worker does not follow safety precautions such as this. You can make it generic. The whole unit is at risk since this nurse will not mind sharing whatever she picks up.

And I agree that if a job is toxic, get out. I would first go to the Director or CNO.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Yeah she should have followed contact precautions. I agree with the other posters that if this position is toxic then you need to get out ASAP.

On a side note the nurses I work with are compliant with the contact precautions, but it is the DOCS that don't follow precautions let alone wash their hands between patients.