Medical Mistakes on the Oprah Show

ERNurse752, RN · Oct 4, 2003

I saw some of it...pretty scary stuff.

I think it's good to have someone who can be with a patient while in the hospital.

However, if that person isn't a nurse themselves, or something else with some medical training, how helpful can it be? They can ask questions, but they're still relying on what they're being told, not what they know already.

And to have someone there defying visiting hours, grilling staff on what they're doing, and doing handwashing checks is going to make for some pretty negative feelings on the staff. No one likes to feel like they're under a microscope by a sue-happy family member! It depends on the tone...

It really makes one think twice though...and the show drove home how important it is to get a second opinion.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2003

Originally posted by ERNurse752
IAnd to have someone there defying visiting hours, grilling staff on what they're doing, and doing handwashing checks is going to make for some pretty negative feelings on the staff. No one likes to feel like they're under a microscope by a sue-happy family member! It depends on the tone...

Amen to that.

Also our handwashing stations are now outside the rooms are they going to follow us outside the room to see if I sanitize?

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Oct 4, 2003

When family members are hovered over you while you are trying to do a procedure it makes it difficut, IMO.

With confidentiality issues and especially with all the Hippa business, having your brothers girlfriend and the friend from down the street camp out in the room 24/7 isn't going to cut it. Where I work we usually have ONE person that is okayed to receive medical info. The rest can watch, but how many ever questions they ask they won't be getting much of an answer.

A lot of families that I get rarely ask me anything pertaining to the patient they are related to anyway. Most of the families that I am used to want to chat for as long as you will let them and/or ask 20 questions about the other patients' medical well-being.

bellehill, RN · Oct 4, 2003

Once you start having overnight visitors it raises a question of the other patients confidentiality rights. I don't think rooms are large enough for overnight guests, especially semi-private rooms. The last thing I want to do is trip over a recliner while I am trying to give patient care.

asil · Oct 4, 2003

I think it is fine to have a family member at the bedisde at all times. However, as we all know a family memeber who nags the staff is going to get a bad reputation and may cause negative feelings among the nurses.

mother/babyRN, RN · Oct 4, 2003

Try a few nights in labor and delivery and then try to get around the HIPPA thing....

SnowieRN · Oct 5, 2003

I started watching it.. but it made me so mad.. that story about the girl that thought she had cancer, and had all that surgery only to find out she didnt have it. I guess Im part of the "thankful" group.. Id be more thankful that I had never had cancer, and had all that surgery, than worrying about sueing the doctor/hospital for it.

tonchitoRN · Oct 5, 2003

i do agree that pt's should have a person 24/7 at the bedside. but i also believe that if they are going to be there they should work and not nag.

btw - if one of my family members were in the hospital you bet your booty i am going to be there and i will be a pain in the butt. as far as hippa, they can kiss my butt. no one is going to touch my family member unless they talk to me first. i am sorry to make your life difficult but i do not tolerate bs when it comes to my family.

Brita01 · Oct 5, 2003

Originally posted by bedpan

A quote from the message board at ophra.com, supposedly from a nurse :

I am a nurse, One thing everyone should know. Many people die or are hurt in hospitals not related to their diagnosed illness. If you or someone you love or care about, needs to be hospitalized do this one not so simple thing. Have another person with them at all times. Do not allow visiting rules to dictate the care. Believe me,most nurses will be grateful as they are overworked. Have a person who can oversee everything that is done to the patient. Eveything from the staff washing their hands when entering the room, to questioning each and every medication or treatment. Don't be shy, you could save a life. Peace Ginny

This doesn't sound like something a real nurse would suggest. It was probably written by a non-nurse. Question EACH and EVERY thing? By the time I get to my seventh patient at 11:00 with their 9:00 medicine, THAT family member is going to want to know why the medicine is so late. Probably because I was questioned on each and every thing by six other family members. With the patient loads that we get now, it is unrealistic to be able to answer a boat-load of questions AND provide good and timely care.

tonchitoRN · Oct 5, 2003

if you think the show is horrifying go to the http://www.oprah.com website and see the comments. there are stories after stories of medical mistakes. very sad. then we wonder how come the public does not support the medical profession.

CRHSrn · Oct 5, 2003

i work in an ICU that has a 'bay' area with curtains separating the rooms. who wants to sit w/ grandma while the nurse down the hall is bathing grandpa, fanning in and out of the room flashing everything he's got (or doesn't).i'm for no visiting at all !!! they can see 'em when they get out of the hospital. unless they're about to die or it's MY family member , then i can see making some exceptions. lock the door and throw away the key, actually, i'm joking about NO visiting, but i'm definately NOT for 24/7 visitation. i guess it's the ICU nurse coming out in me.