Journaling

[CaICURN]

Hi all! I am the proud new owner of a job in a MICU! Woo hoo! And also, yikes!! I want to start journaling after my workdays. I'm thinking I would like to record not only my experiences and things I've learned, but also my emotional reactions and how I'm coping as I grow. My Sexy Man-Bear Fiancé does not like to hear about the "icky" stuff, so I'm thinking this will help me channel what I'm thinking and feeling without projecting it all in his face.

My questions: do you keep a professional journal? Is it strictly narrative, or do you get creative? Any thoughts? Advice? Pretty examples?? ������ Thanks!

[Scroll89]

Yes, if you let it be known that you keep personal journals about work, they can be subpoenaed if there is a suit filed and you are called to give a deposition.

"Oh, I don't really recall but I probably have something in my journal"

Prosecuting attorney loves this,

"oh, you have a journal, did your defense team know this? No, oh goody, we are going to subpoena your journal!"

defense/hospital attorney will want to strangle you.

Everything in said journal is now an open book. You might even get to read some excerpts from it for a jury. Could even get you fired if there is any violation of HIPAA.

Keep it in the down low and lock and key.

I would seriously hope that someone wouldn't be dim-witted enough as to readily give up info like that, but I'm guessing it happens pretty frequently. Golden rule about law proceedings: don't speak unless spoken to, and only answer the question being asked. If they don't SPECIFICALLY ask about the journal, then don't talk about it.

Also, and not sure if this is commonplace, but in nursing school several teachers gave us advice about CYA in charting and law suits. Sad that it has to be a focus, but its the reality in a lawsuit happy society / culture.

[CaICURN]

Reference note for the LNCs in the crowd: my full-time SMB (the hubby) is a highly reputable attorney. I know how the law pertains to this case.