Prescribing without a license?

lauralassie · Jan 23, 2007

This sup is on the line. Yes, it sounds petty, but today what seems petty can become a big deal. Yes it does sound like op is finding amo, but if I had a sup that said such things to me I would be mad as well. First of all- sup wouldn't talk to me that way. I would tell him what I thought of that comment and even if I did feel better later on I, wouldn't come in just on the principel of the thing. Heck , I'd probably go to the Dr., get an excuse and call in the next day too !

tiredfeetED · Jan 23, 2007

Immodium is non-prescription, anyways. Do you need a script everytime you give your kid or friend some Tylenol?

You need to be very careful what you say or what you recommend. I dont know many docs/NP/PA that would dx and treat over the phone...I wouldnt want to. If it isyour child fine. I have heard many of cases of EDs giving advice of dosage of tylenol for kids over the phone, the child later dieing of Meningitis. It does sound so petty but in a lawyer drivin society one must be careful.

PralineLPN · Jan 23, 2007

I understand, I see where you are coming from now. Basically, the supervisor ordered the nurse to take drugs. Interesting ethical and legal questions...I wonder what would have happened if the nurse still still refused to some to work.

Paul

ICU_floater · Jan 23, 2007

I'm sorry, but Gi disturbances and the such are the only reasons why I call in other then the mental heath day.

Difference here being that when I call in, I just say I'm calling in and won't be there, it none of administrations business if it's a mental health day or sickness. I simply won't be there, to suggest otherwise, opens you to these messy interactions.... I could talk all the immodium in the world, and if it didn't work I'd then be required to give continous updates upon it's lack of success.... unneeded in my realm of calling in.. when the supervisor gave the glimmor of hope I'd be joining the party..... find a replacement, I won't be there... I"m calling in.... no further info given unless added... a general I'm sick.

Psychaprn · Jan 23, 2007

No It's not prescribing. With regard to the sick call-sick time is a benefit and shouldn't be abused-that being said if anyone asked me details about my illness I'd tell them I was an adult and that the only one who's getting any information about my illness is my Doctor!

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2007

I feel strongly that the supervisor was in a position of authority and gave specific instructions which could have made the condition worse. I agree that friend to friend suggestions are reasonable but I feel this is a different situation because the supervisor holds the power.
BTW, the nurse took the Immodium and came to work late. Who is protecting the patients?
PS-I don't even know which supervisor was involved. It didn't matter to me.

Barbyann, it sounds like you have a different understanding than most of what constitutes an supervisor-subordinate relationship. Your supervisor has some control over an employee's work life - dictating job descriptions, schedules, etc. ... but does not give "orders" for personal matters.

It seems evident that the supervisor's motivation was to alleviate the short-staffing situation created by the call-off ... hoping that the employee's symptoms would be alleviated by an OTC med and the employee could return to work. I don't agree with the methods he/she chose to use, but it does not constitute prescribing without a license.

If I tell my teenager who is whining about staying home from school due to a headache to take 2 Motrin & get her butt moving to the bus stop, am I prescribing without a license? Of course not.

Other issues were possibly in play here ... short staffing, possibly the employee's previous record of call-offs ... etc. If you are looking for grounds to complain about your supervisor, stick to the facts - that an employee was pressured to come in to work when ill, possibly w/a transmissible illness. You weaken your argument when you stretch facts.