discipline and gossip

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 29, 2005

It would depend on institution policy, with which you would do well to be familiar.

If it's ever in regard to a patient, you know as well as I, HIPAA rules apply.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Jul 29, 2005

It would depend on institution policy, with which you would do well to be familiar.
If it's ever in regard to a patient, you know as well as I, HIPAA rules apply.

I know, but it's not in regards to a patient. I'd just like to familiarize myself more with the rights of EMPLOYEES.

Thanks for replying.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 29, 2005

There was a woman recently who got in trouble with the DON. I overheard the nurse manager for our building say, "She's lucky she didn't get fired, because that's what was going to happen." I think he violated this employee's right to confidentiality.
On the same issue in report, another nurse said that the above disciplined nurse was suspended. Yes, she said it for everyone in the room to hear. I also thought this was out of line.
Are there any laws regarding this kind of behavior? Or is it specific to the institution?

It sure is rude and un-professional. I am unsure about laws, but I believe every workplace has a confidentiality rule :rolleyes:

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 29, 2005

It sure is rude and un-professional. I am unsure about laws, but I believe every workplace has a confidentiality rule

that was what I was trying to say. Thank you.

You need to know your POLICIES, if you dont' already, look these things up. Or ask your HR department, if you are unsure where to look or whom to ask. Those would be two moves that would help you get the answers you seek. Good luck.

AtlantaRN, RN · Jul 29, 2005

If you DO find it was against your facilities policy, you can always call your corporate compliance officer, it is confidential reporting of ethics violations

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 29, 2005

If you DO find it was against your facilities policy, you can always call your corporate compliance officer, it is confidential reporting of ethics violations

yep.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 29, 2005

You also have to consider the exact circumstances of the "breach of confidentiality." For example, you said you "overheard" the nurse manager discussing the situation. Was that manager discussing the case in an environment that was inappropriate?... or Did she have a reasonable expectation that she would not be overheard -- but you just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time?

In a crowded workplace, sometimes it is not feasible to maintain strict confidentiality about everything. Sometimes we overhear things we should not -- and we have to act professionally and act as if we did not hear it. Certain types of information are almost impossible to keep a secret. A suspension or termination is going to mean that someone's name is crossed off the schedule at the last minute -- a public document. People are going to know at least part of the story about what happened to cause it. Sometimes charge nurses and fellow staff members NEED to know that a new employee is struggling with some of their skills so that they can watch out for potential problems and protect patient safety, etc.

So ... while gossiping about our co-workers is generally not a good thing, a certain amount is inevitable -- as is the overhearing of conversations that should be kept private. Each case needs to be judged within context and on the specific details of the situation. Learning to make good judgments about what you say -- and what you ignore when you hear -- is part of aquiring the interpersonal skills needed for career success. It's good to set high standards: but if you set them impossibly high, you will always be frustrated.

llg

babynurselsa, RN · Jul 29, 2005

you can call the corporate compliance officer and report this and then it will be up to them to determine whether any rules regulations or laws were broken. Use the 1-800 number and it creates a paper trail.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Jul 30, 2005

Thank you for all of your responses.

In training, they really don't tell you about this kind of crap.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 30, 2005

I know what you mean. Good luck, CNA!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

You also have to consider the exact circumstances of the "breach of confidentiality." For example, you said you "overheard" the nurse manager discussing the situation. Was that manager discussing the case in an environment that was inappropriate?... or Did she have a reasonable expectation that she would not be overheard -- but you just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time?
In a crowded workplace, sometimes it is not feasible to maintain strict confidentiality about everything. Sometimes we overhear things we should not -- and we have to act professionally and act as if we did not hear it. Certain types of information are almost impossible to keep a secret. A suspension or termination is going to mean that someone's name is crossed off the schedule at the last minute -- a public document. People are going to know at least part of the story about what happened to cause it. Sometimes charge nurses and fellow staff members NEED to know that a new employee is struggling with some of their skills so that they can watch out for potential problems and protect patient safety, etc.
So ... while gossiping about our co-workers is generally not a good thing, a certain amount is inevitable -- as is the overhearing of conversations that should be kept private. Each case needs to be judged within context and on the specific details of the situation. Learning to make good judgments about what you say -- and what you ignore when you hear -- is part of aquiring the interpersonal skills needed for career success. It's good to set high standards: but if you set them impossibly high, you will always be frustrated.
llg

As always, I like you're posts llg.

I was going to say something similar, but you say it so much better.

How could a person be suspended, marked off the schedule and people not notice and talk about it. Doesn't mean it's right, but I've worked with enough human beings to know it's unrealistic in certain circumstances to think it's not going to happen.

We had an employee be arrested and escorted from work in handcuffs. Surely, no one can expect we'd all just quietly ignore it as if nothing happened and not talk.

That said, gossping is wrong. "This one slept with that one, her husband is a no good drunk" kind of stuff you should not participate in.

I also trust you know enough to not repeat what you heard. Good luck!