Nurse who appeared on Dr. Phil suspended

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 8, 2005

Yes, we DO need to remember the COURAGE it takes to put your whole personal life on TV and work to resolve issues. I never could do that. Before we get too high-horse or hypercritical, we need to remember what "Mysister" said is true: these are REAL human beings behind these stories. They have at least taken appropriate steps to correct the situations plaguing them. Give them their props for that, even if their lives are "messed up" by all outward appearances. And remember, TV is just that----drama for entertainment. We never get the whole story from Dr. Phil, Oprah or anyone else---a lot goes on when the cameras are off, you know.

pricklypear · Jun 8, 2005

Yes, we DO need to remember the COURAGE it takes to put your whole personal life on TV and work to resolve issues. I never could do that. Before we get too high-horse or hypercritical, we need to remember what "Mysister" said is true: these are REAL human beings behind these stories. They have at least taken appropriate steps to correct the situations plaguing them. Give them their props for that, even if their lives are "messed up" by all outward appearances. And remember, TV is just that----drama for entertainment. We never get the whole story from Dr. Phil, Oprah or anyone else---a lot goes on when the cameras are off, you know.

This is soo true. It makes me think of how we form so many impressions from such a short interaction. We do forget that people are so much more than what we see "in the moment." And the judgement heaped on her husband has been almost worse. Nobody knows what it's like to live and have small children with an addict unless you've been there yourself. Completely different thought process, rationalizations, survival patterns and coping mechanisms take over. The perspective is totally different from the inside.

Best wishes for you and your family, Mysister

ICare4Everyone · Jun 8, 2005

I don't think that this nurse should be fired for seeking help for her problems at home. Granted, I would have sought for help in a more private setting had I been in that situation. I feel like this: if the nurse was on her own private time when the show aired then she should not be fired. In my opinion, what people do in their private time is up to them as long as it's legal. I'm pretty sure she didn't come on the show and announce that she's a nurse at such and such place. If she did that then she would definitely be bringing discredit upon her organization. Who knows what her boss does in his or her spare time. They could be an undercover drug addict/alcoholic or abuse children for all we know. This nurse just so happened to want to be on the Dr. Phil show during her spare time to get help, which is a justifiable reason.

CHATSDALE · Jun 8, 2005

i don't know what she announced on the show with regard to her employment but the nh has the responsibility to keep a good front for the residents and their families

and i agree with other posts that if she has the propensity to violence then the children and the residents have a risk of being on the receiving end

this woman needs a lot of help...i don't think that dr phil is the one

Mystery5 · Jun 8, 2005

The thing is, if my grandma were in that nursing home and I watched that show, it might make me wonder about the care grandma was getting by that nurse. The public is already a bit paranoid about nursing homes. Maybe the nursing home needs to make a policy about public appearances that might hurt the image of the facility. To punish someone retroactively isn't fair though.

I heard that runaway bride was a nurse. I wonder if her escapade has affected her at all, workwise?

Judee Smudee, ADN, RN · Jun 8, 2005

The problems that both these nurses described on TV HAVE to be addressed by their employers and BON. However, I do not think they should automatically be suspended in either case. Very close supervision with frequent reviews should occur. You see if in either case any harm came to a person under their care it would be inexcusable.

LydiaNN · Jun 8, 2005

Kind of off topic, but I was surprised to read the degree of intoxication. If that was a routine thing, or even if it just wasn't an isolated incident, he's lucky to be alive.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 8, 2005

Like I said, a LOT of public speculation about private lives we know very little about.

Mysister · Jun 8, 2005

The problems that both these nurses described on TV HAVE to be addressed by their employers and BON. However, I do not think they should automatically be suspended in either case. Very close supervision with frequent reviews should occur. You see if in either case any harm came to a person under their care it would be inexcusable.

There are no secrets once you've gone on TV. Maybe that's a good thing in these cases.

Mystery5 · Jun 8, 2005

Kind of off topic, but I was surprised to read the degree of intoxication. If that was a routine thing, or even if it just wasn't an isolated incident, he's lucky to be alive.

I had a pt with close to that once. I think it was a 0.47. He an extremely hardcore ETOHer with quite a high tolerance. I was amazed.

Mystery5 · Jun 8, 2005

Like I said, a LOT of public speculation about private lives we know very little about.

We wouldn't have known anything if they hadn't have gone on TV, however. If someone wants to go public with their dirty laundry, well each to his own. But then don't complain that everyone is talking about it, that's what I say. :rolleyes:

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jun 8, 2005

"In my opinion, what people do in their private time is up to them as long as it's legal." *quote*

Beating someone with a close to lethal blood alcohol level is certainly illegal.

Texas BNE can revoke your license for 'acts of moral turpitude' and if you live in Texas (and it may be a blessing for her that she doesn't), I'd advise you to read what all that can include under the newest Nurse Practice Act revision (e.g. not paying your student loans)

Certainly, attempted murder (which is how I would define the act depicted) would qualify as 'moral turpitude' in most any state.

~faith