Published
So I was unable to find this issue online - whether due to the lack of discussion or some sort of shortcoming in my searching abilities - but either way am beginning to wonder if I am the only one with this concern...
I am a newly graduated RN and am currently seeking employment. Part of the problem is that, as a patient, I attend a family practice within the largest (and most reputable) hospital in the area. As a nurse, of course, I would like to work at the most reputable hospital in the area.
Insert internal conflict: I really don't want to work with people who have seen everything... or work with someone who knows someone who has seen everything... if you know what I mean.
Even if I do trust my doctor, there is always the fact that it happens to be a teaching hospital. If a student sits in on my exam, there is always the possibility that I might one day work with that person... but at the same time, I wouldn't want to say "no" because its sort of poor professional etiquette - seeing how we've all been that student at some time or another. Furthermore, what if I get sent for a trans-vag ultrasound and wind up with someone I know or a student in there? Ugh!
I honestly wouldn't mind, but we've all met that student or coworker whose adherence to HIPAA policies are less than perfect... and I don't want to have to worry about some chatty Kathy instead of my personal health.
Am I overly paranoid? How did you handle it?
I think the hospital I currently work at is far better than the previous one I worked at, and would definitely never get care at the latter facility. That being said, I'm not sure I want coworkers or physicians that I know to see me in a vulnerable position. I don't even have a primary provider yet because I know some of them, as the family medicine doctors admit and manage their own hospitalized patients. They're awesome, but I don't know how comfortable I would be as their patient in the clinic and even in the hospital.
I have no choice on where to receive care. If it's available at our hospital or medical practices, then it has to be done there. I had a colonoscopy (the 50+ thing) and ran into the GI specialist in the hallway the very next week. At first I was embarrassed knowing that he had been places no one had ever been before, but then I realized that I don't think of my patients in any derogatory way, nor do I care what parts of them I have seen. Why would my physician be any different?
Oedgar
248 Posts
I never received care from the OB/gyns I worked in the office with. It would just be too awkward for me... knowing they know 'everything.' However, my coworker is on her 2nd pregnancy with one of the doctors.