Has anyone had a pt's family member take pictures of you during care?

[TonyaM73]

Okay, the weirdest thing happend yesterday at work. (Why do I always get the nuts???) The doctor was examining the pt and the pt's wife was holding up her phone. I thought she was looking at something on the phone, but thought that it was odd the way she was holding it up. After the doctor leaves, I am in the process of settling the pt back down and I hear a click. I looked at the pt's wife and asked if she took a picture? She said yes. I asked if I was in it and she said yes, but that was okay, right? I told her that I didn't like people taking pictures of me at work. She brushed it off and said that I was not doing anything wrong, so it shouldn't be a problem. OOOKKKAAAYYY! I really felt like this was a problem. I don't want my picture plastered on the net or something. Don't we have at least a molecule of a right to privacy regarding our picture being taken or since we work with the public, is that right out the window? Any thoughts?

[TheCareerStudent]

Hopefully you didn't give the peace sign and the Facebook kissey face. LOL, but all joking aside.....

I would be upset too, can't blame you one bit!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I'd be upset too, but in the grande scheme of things, do you realize how often we are photographed or videotaped?

In this particular case something is definitely wrong. The visitor seems like she already has an axe to grind and lying and taking secretive pictures will probably happen with or without content. Watch yourself closely with that one. Risk management should absolutely be notified.

[KarmaWiseRaven]

Best watch that picture thing. If she is taking it during care she might be gearing up for something if you mess up or don't do something right. I know what your thinking Karma your crazy. Well i have been around the block a few times and i have had family members taking pics even had one sneak in a nanny cam if you know what that is. Report it to your higher ups like today or yesterday. Always watch your back. And if you think nanny cams are just for LTC's think again. People put them in hospitals as well. These are my thoughts use them as you wish..

[purple10]

in the future with this family, ask them to leave the room when doing pt care that will atleast keep the camera out of your business. But like others have said it sounds like this family is fishing for something, or anything. CYA take someone else in with you like your supervisor when taking care of this pt if possible

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

wow....I often tell the CNAs and the patients..."Camera use is not allowed here, due to the sensitive field of what we do." I would remind coworkers that posted to facebook at work, just make sure your nametag is out of the pic.

[merlee]

completely inappropriate. Risk management and hospital attorney should be aware.

They are not entitled to take photos of you.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Huge red flags all over this one. I would be requesting not to care for the patient again, if he/she is still in your unit. Hopefully every nurse who is assigned to that patient will ask that the cell phone be put away when that family member is in the room.

I would also be following up with my manager in writing or via email, requesting clarification of the hospital's policy on cell phone use, picture taking, and visitors taking pictures be clarified with risk management reviewed with this family member.

[Nurse Cathy Foley]

You should tell your supervisor asap!

[caliotter3]

My home health employer has stated this is ok in the home setting and if I do not like the situation, I can leave any case where this is done (and not have work).

[INLPN93]

Rights really should be a two way street.

I would ask to be taken off that pts assignment for the remainder of their stay based on that incident alone.

[caliotter3]

Rights really should be a two way street.

I would ask to be taken off that pts assignment for the remainder of their stay based on that incident alone.

This is what I would do.

[TonyaM73, ASN, RN]

After my supervisor confrunted the pt's family, she told the pt and the family that I would be reassigned effective immediately due to this incident and then called security into the situation. My boss is the best!! She really sticks up for us floor nurses.