Please help me with this because I think it is a bit hinky

[nytelytespn]

I am currently working in a facility as a HUC and was recently told by my clinical leader that in the future I will be expected to do accu-checks, baths, etc. as if I were an aide. I am not real happy about this because I already have a full schedule with all the paperwork that has to be done. But, to keep the boss happy, I will comply. Now don't get me wrong-I do not mind doing the accu-checks themselves. It is the method with which I will be obtaining the blood sample. You see, in the future, if a patient has an arterial line, central line, etc, instead of sticking their finger I will be getting the sample from the line. Now I have never claimed to be the brightest bulb, but isn't that kind of a nursing function??? I have always thought (and had been taught at one time) that IV lines are WAY OUT of my scope of practice as a HUC. Any body have any comments????

[bughouser]

Anytime you feel uncomfortable doing a certain task- report it and seek a solution to your supervisor in writing and keep a copy. Feel free to not touch the central line until you talk to a supervisor, you are not trained nor qualified to do so.

Bug

[Zee_RN, BSN, RN]

No, No, No and again, No. Do not do this. It's more than just "drawing blood;" one must FLUSH the line after drawing blood and THAT'S administering a medication, even if it IS just a saline flush. What if there's a clot? What if there's a line complication? The risk for the patient is too great. And wouldn't you feel just awful if you pushed a clot through someone's central line and they coded?!

This is wrong on many levels. I'm appalled.

[PANurseRN1]

Now that you have nothing to lose...report them. Start with the BON, then JACHO & then HIPPA. You also might want to contact the local labor board. If it was an unlawful firing, there might be a "plum" somewhere down the road.

How is this a HIPAA violation?

Being fired, while it feels bad, may have been the best thing that could have happened to you. Not only should you qualify for unemployment compensation, you may be able to sue for wrongful termination if you were fired for refusing to do something that would have been in violation of DOH standards.

[CarrieH]

Now that you have nothing to lose...report them. Start with the BON, then JACHO & then HIPPA. You also might want to contact the local labor board. If it was an unlawful firing, there might be a "plum" somewhere down the road.

I agree. If you don't do it for yourself, then do it for the patient's that they're endangering.

[justavolunteer]

I have had nurses ask me (forgetting that I'm 'justavolunteer'), "Can you get a set of vitals on Mr whoever?" I remind them I'm a volunteer & the response is usually "oops" or something similar. I wonder, if a harried unit clerk misses an order and a pt. is harmed, how much the hospital may have to pay out in a lawsuit? One good settlement would wipe out any money saved with this foolishness real quick!!

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Sorry to read that you were fired. Please let us know what you decide to do.

[DusktilDawn]

I have had nurses ask me (forgetting that I'm 'justavolunteer'), "Can you get a set of vitals on Mr whoever?" I remind them I'm a volunteer & the response is usually "oops" or something similar. I wonder, if a harried unit clerk misses an order and a pt. is harmed, how much the hospital may have to pay out in a lawsuit? One good settlement would wipe out any money saved with this foolishness real quick!!

Irregardless of whether a clerk misses an order, a nurse still has to check her/his orders on their patient. We are still responsible for whatever tasks are delegated, irregardless of what any manager says, if it is not appropriate for that person to do, we can be held responsible.