mistakes and employment

[JVoEDrn]

We all make mistakes. But I'm curious to know what's the thing you've seen a co worker do and NOT get fired for or reprimanded for, or maybe they did.

I'll mention a recent event in the ED.

We have walkie talkies that CT, security, secretary, pt liaisons, OR, US and ED staff all carry when on shift. That's how we all communicate! The secretary will call out to us when one of our pts that's up for admit has a room ready and usually it'll generally go as follows (example).

Call: Nancy, #45, A + O, any issues?"

Response: "A + O, no issues"

This will come when you're in the middle of doing anything, particular a pts room. everyone with a walkie can hear the convo, anyone that is near the walkie can hear the convo (obviously).

Any issues refers to: pt precautions, AMS, dialysis. Things of that nature...

So the other night on shift, I'm hearing the typical call out asking the same question. When the called out to nurse responds,

"A + O, No issues, HIV positive."

[emoji32][emoji47]

Whaaaaaaaaattttttttttt

I think the entire ER went silent.

[Emergent, RN]

Sounds like the walkie-talkie bit is a big, fat HIPAA concern that needs to go away.