EEK what would you do?

[stashia]

I briefly worked for an organization that had little to no respect for their obstetric patients. I frequently witnessed unnecessary c-sections due to the time of day, unnecessary episiotomies, patients forced into epidurals, bullied out of VBAC by nurses despite their doctor's approval and time and time again patients requests for skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, ect be denied because the staff at this facility deemed it "unsafe". Also the facility not only refused to follow NRP guidelines, bragged that they were (quote) "old school" and would not change their policies. I did not speak up, instead I left. A couple weeks ago a patient contacted me via a social network. Im not even sure how she figured out how to contact me or how she even remembered me. She told me her birth story (which I was not present for, but had heard about due to another nurse's breech in hipaa)..it was similar to all the same things I had witnessed with other patients, she feels she was continually disrespected and her requests denied. Shes asking for my help in her fight for patient rights in this facility. What would you do?? What is crossing the line?? My heart goes out to this woman and Im very proud of her for standing up for herself..but what can I even do to help?! I can't say anything due to hipaa, I already explained I can not share other stories with her, which she was very understanding. Is there an organization in which I can direct her to to share her story?? Is there an organization I should talk to?! I'm not just talking a difference in doctor practices, I seen some very very disrespectful things towards patients. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?!

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Old school or not, there should be avenues for patients to communicate their comments and criticism and complaints about their care.

I would direct the patient to those avenues - at the hospital level, the physician practice level, and if necessary, with state regulatory boards. Providing a patient with information about how to seek accountability is not violating any privacy - this is patient advocacy.

Though I would not 'friend' a patient on a social network, ever. Keep it professional. Provide information.

I have not done this for a patient, but I have done this for a personal friend who was on the receiving end of some atrocious care. Many times patients do not know that there are policies in place that allow them to complain. Sometimes they just need to pointed in that direction.

[Carrie RN]

Direct her to the hospital compliance line.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

i find it interesting that she sought you out despite the fact you had nothing to do with her care. why you? direct her to hospital compliance, or administration, or joint commission.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Refer her to the patient advocate or compliance line. Continue to uphold HIPAA. Keep any relationship with this patient above-board and professional at all times, lest you get roped into the matter further. Best of luck.