Non licensed staff giving tele advice!!!

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Hi everyone. This is my first post , just found this site last week.. I recently started a new job with the D.O.D.. I am the advice/triage nurse for the facility.. Much to learn.. especially with peds.. It's a challenge, and I wouldn't have it any other way..The real challenge is what to do when I hear appointment clerks giving patients advice. Management is aware that it goes on, yet doesn't take action.. They more or less said I have to make it work.. I am not the supervisor of these clerks, and they know that.. I am about ready to walk. Any suggestions? Should I keep on the heels of management, ignore it altogether, what???

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What is "D.O.D" (showing my ignorance!)?

Is there an licensing agency which you could anonymously report this to?

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.
What is "D.O.D" (showing my ignorance!)?

Department of Defense (US DOD that is). :D

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post deleted...mixed up who the OP was.

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Well you can approach it from a couple of different angles. DOD is very strict on these issues. Non Licensed personnel are NOT to give adivice over the phone, period. There are specific regulations about it, and you should look these up and read them before you do anything.

If you feel comfortable with these personnel approach them in a non confrontation manner about it. It's not regulation but it may prevent any bruised feelings. If you don't feel comforable about talking with them, see their immediate supervisor about it, usually the NCOIC (Non Commmissioned Officer In Charge) of the area. Report it verbally the first time, if it persists report it in writing with copies to the clinic OIC (Officer in Charge). Make sure to give them a reasonable amount of time (a couple of days) to fix the situation. Keep a log of the complaints made, who you made them to, and the results of the complaints. If these attempts fail, go up the chain of command. The section supervisor is next, that would probably be the NCOIC and OIC of Outpatient Services. You should have a breakdown of the exact chain of command posted on about every other wall in the facility. At each level provide copies of the previous paperwork you have submitted to make the easier on the supervisor and to prove you have followed the chain. While you can always skip links in the chain of command, it is seldom advisable to do so. I suspect this will be fixed at the lowest level, if the NCOIC is worth his/her salt. Just stand firm and make sure you have the regulations behind you. It's been my experience that if you have the regulations behind you and follow the chain, you will almost always come out on top of the issue.

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Originally posted by suemom2kay

Department of Defense (US DOD that is). :D

Thanks! That is what I tought :imbar

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