Oboy........how should this be handled?

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

Just say, "Not too far from here." and change the subject. If someone continues to be too nosy, just say you can't get get more specific or you'll risk losing your job. Besides, once someone knows you're that close, you risk becoming their afterhours, personal healthcare consultant. That line between work and not at work needs to be clearly visible so these people cannot take what you say in private conversation as healthcare gospel. Cover your butt, girl!

TazziRN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

once someone knows you're that close you risk becoming their afterhours, personal healthcare consultant. That line between work and not at work needs to be clearly visible so these people cannot take what you say in private conversation as healthcare gospel. Cover your butt, girl![/quote']
PRECISELY why I don't want to say too much!!!! I mean they are literally over my back fence.....we can see their chimney from our kitchen window!!

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

See what happens. It may end up not being a problem at all. If it turns into one, treat it like we do when someone asks for healthcare advice on this board. "Call your PCP with any concerns you have. I'm not able to offer medical advice outside of what I'm assigned to do for you." Repeat as many times as necessary.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

I did home health for a while, loved it by the way, and at one point all of my patients lived within 5 miles of my house. I had one patient at the end of my street. The question of where I specifically lived never came up. They all knew I was from that town, but no one ever overstepped any boundries of privacy or confidentiality.

I am not sure if you are concerned that patients will invade your privacy or if there might be a confidentiality issue. I agee with the other poster who said a vague answer like, "I don't live too far from here", or " just on the other side of town" might be your best bet.

I used to run into my patients or their family at the grocery store, hardware store, church, etc, and there was never an issue.

Good luck, I think I will have to give home health another try sometime soon. It it were not for all of that darn paperwork!

TazziRN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

Not worried about confidentiality, at least not on my part. What I don't want is Wifey showing up on my doorstep at 10 pm saying "His wound is bleeding!"

bethin · Jul 27, 2007

I would answer "not too far from here" which is the truth and you can keep your privacy. If they ask further questions state that you are not allowed to tell for security reasons and you could lose your job.

Even working in the hospital I'm not comfortable answering questions like where I went to school, where I live, my parent's names and my last name. Last names are not on our badges after a pt harrassed and stalked a few nurses and aides. I realize that these elderly people are lonely and curious so I start asking them questions about their life. But, once they get started on their families they don't stop. :)

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

No one says you have to answer the door . . . . . :devil:

Seriously though, if you get the feeling that's where this particlar case is headed, set boundaries from the get go. Tell them everything's kept in the office and to call the doc or go to the ED if they show up on your doorstep.

rn/writer, RN · Jul 27, 2007

You could give a really vague answer. "The employees for my company have to live in one of these three counties. I live in one of them. They also ask us not to be more specific than that. I'm sure you understand."

If you're listed in the phone book, might want to change that. If you have bumper stickers or decals from local places, change that as well. Sometimes it's the littlest things that give us away.

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Jul 27, 2007

You could give a really vague answer. "The employees for my company have to live in one of these three counties. I live in one of them. They also ask us not to be more specific than that. I'm sure you understand."
If you're listed in the phone book, might want to change that. If you have bumper stickers or decals from local places, change that as well. Sometimes it's the littlest things that give us away.

oooh, I love that answer! :) short, sweet, and to the point. i'm hoping it'll work for you, I don't see why it wouldn't! :)

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 27, 2007

I work about 15 miles from where I live. A number of my patients live in the same town I do but I don't usually mention it (one couple lives about a block away).

I had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago and probably 3/4 of my customers were also patients of mine! Not a single one mentioned that they knew me. So far, no one has knocked on my door. I'm a FNP. I do know a PA who works and lives in another small town who does have that happen to her, apparently quite a lot.

I agree with the telephone listings, bumper stickers, and so forth. However, sooner or later you're bound to run into a patient or family member somewhere. I usually just smile, nod, say hello, and keep walking.

Bluehair · Jul 27, 2007

Okay, I'm not in home health, but personally I would be tempted to park about a half a block away so they don't see my car. Or even consider walking, if you are that close.

I wouldn't want that knock on the door either.

Keep us posted on how it works out...