Pt Threats and Name Badges (again)

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

our admin is adamant that our last names be visible on our name badges. we've all done the cover-it-up-with-tape thing, but she has us remove the tape. last night made me really think about this policy.
had a just released inmate from prison who flipped because he couldn't smoke. he started throwing things and we had to call security. three of us were holding him down while we waited (and waited) for security. he let loose a string of threats that i will try to tone down...to the effect of 'i'm gonna rape you, you f-ing whores, i'll rape you in your *** and afterward i'll bash your brains in, you'll find out what pain really is...blah blah'...this went on for about five minutes, much more graphic than the above.
now i for one, have an unusual name--there is only one of me in this town. what else can i do besides go unlisted in the phonebook? he could even look me up by name under florida's nursing board, too i think. i hate to over-react, but i'd hate to be sorry later.

florida bon gives you the option of having your address on the internet as your workplace address. check it out and you can have it changed to that and keep your home address private. also, i highly recommend getting a private phone number and a cell phone and screen your calls.

here's the link and the info:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/howdoi.htm#ndividua

update my name or address (individual)

note: the practice location address will display on the internet and your license. your practice location must be a physical location address and must not include a post office box. the mailing address will only display on the internet if you have not provided a practice location address to us.

name of a current licensee -

provide a written request that clearly indicates your new name, your license number, including alpha prefix or profession, and a copy of the legal document showing the change of name, for example a marriage license or divorce decree.

address for individual

- you may complete the

change of address form

,

print,

and submit or you may write a letter requesting the change or submit your

change of address electronically

. if you use the general electronic change of address request form, you will need to provide the control number from your license before it can be processed. also, you will need to indicate whether you are requesting a

mailing address

or

practice location address

change and provide your full name as it appears on your license, your new address, and your license number (including the alpha prefix). if you have applied for a license and have not received a license number, please include the profession.

if you would like a duplicate or updated license reflecting the change, see obtaining a duplicate or updated license instructions.

mail to: mqa communication services, 4052 bald cypress way bin #c01, tallahassee, fl 32399-3251, or fax to 850-487-9626.

jaky_speaks · Jul 31, 2006

look up the law. I worked in TX as a teller and by law they could not force me to put my last name on anything that was in the public view. I was robbed (the first robbery in that bank ever!), by note and bomb threat, he knew only my first name and lisence plate #. thank god the car was not registered to me, I would have freaked. As for you, check the law, ask a lawyer. If you have the law behind you it may make your case to your employer easier. Don't just say we want our last names off, offer solutions. Like for example, last initials, employee Id numbers, things of that nature.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

Do some research and present it to your boss. My understanding is that it is the industry standard NOT to have last names on badges for health care workers, at least in acute care. If it were me I'd be looking for another job.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

Did someone report this to the prison this guy was from? When we have people from prisons we remove our name badges when we go into the room. If we have problems with an inmate(although they always have a guard with them) they are reported to the facility and are disiplined the same as if they were in the prison and acted like that. They do get seg time and possibly some of their "good time" removed if its reported to the facility.

Dont mess with these characters, take the name badges off before entering the room.

elkpark · Jul 31, 2006

I've been a psych nurse for >20 years, both in major urban areas working with inmates, etc., and in rural areas where everyone knew exactly who I was and where I lived whether I wore a badge or not. I've always used my last name on my badge (and introduced myself to clients with my last name) -- and I, too, have an unusual last name and am typically the only person by that name in the city -- and have always been listed in the telephone book; and I've never had a problem. I've also never encountered another psych nurse who had actually had personal experience with a client seeking her/him out outside of the workplace. I'm sure it does happen once in a while, but I also believe that the "urban legend" factor plays a big part in people's fears about this.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

I've been a psych nurse for >20 years, both in major urban areas working with inmates, etc., and in rural areas where everyone knew exactly who I was and where I lived whether I wore a badge or not. I've always used my last name on my badge (and introduced myself to clients with my last name) -- and I, too, have an unusual last name and am typically the only person by that name in the city -- and have always been listed in the telephone book; and I've never had a problem. I've also never encountered another psych nurse who had actually had personal experience with a client seeking her/him out outside of the workplace. I'm sure it does happen once in a while, but I also believe that the "urban legend" factor plays a big part in people's fears about this.

Sooo.....because it rarely happens, we should relax? I think I would rather not take the chance. We have two state prisons in our county and I have dealt with many prisoners over the years. Years ago when my badge had my last name on it, I took it off. Oh.....when in nursing school and I did my psych rotation, we were instructed by the psych staff to NOT wear our name badges and to never give out our last names.

DusktilDawn · Jul 31, 2006

I've been a psych nurse for >20 years, both in major urban areas working with inmates, etc., and in rural areas where everyone knew exactly who I was and where I lived whether I wore a badge or not. I've always used my last name on my badge (and introduced myself to clients with my last name) -- and I, too, have an unusual last name and am typically the only person by that name in the city -- and have always been listed in the telephone book; and I've never had a problem. I've also never encountered another psych nurse who had actually had personal experience with a client seeking her/him out outside of the workplace. I'm sure it does happen once in a while, but I also believe that the "urban legend" factor plays a big part in people's fears about this.

Actually worked with someone who WAS stalked by a former patient, and this was not a psych unit.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

[...] I'm sure it does happen once in a while, but I also believe that the "urban legend" factor plays a big part in people's fears about this.

I don't think it's "urban legend", elkpark. Else there would not be stalking laws. The Internet has certainly facilitated this type of crime, but it behooves us all to be careful, doesn't it?

emllpn2006 · Jul 31, 2006

I have came up with a soltion to this in my case but probably will not apply to alot of others. After getting married my last name ismy maiden name then married name. When you go on my states bon web site you have to enter my full name to pull up my license. We also can be looked up by social so any potential employers can still find me. Also my utilities and phone # is listed in my full name. On my ID badge I only put my married name which is legal becouse it is still my last name.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 31, 2006

Why does your boss insist on having staff's full names on their employee badges? Maybe there's a reason you're not aware of; still, in any case, I would definitely protest this and take it as far up the chain of command as necessary in order to resolve it. In your place, I would also be looking for another job---you work in a very risky environment, and the staff's personal safety should be more of a priority to your supervisors than any convenience to the public.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 31, 2006

Actually my boss insisted when I started that we don't put our last name on our tags. She wouldn't sign the paper for security if we had our last names on our badges.