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.
"In the meantime, I think not going by our last names DOES put us in the ranks of wal-mart cashiers and NOT doctors, et. al: professionals."
How many doctors have LISTED phone numbers/addresses besides their office?????
I thought we were talking about last names on badges -- I'm not aware that anyone in this discussion has suggested that we have a professional responsibility to advertise our home addresses and 'phone numbers ... Where did that come from??
:angryfire This patient sounds like a good candidate for Haldol 10mg. It usually calms them down a bit and they really dont remember your name once transferred back out of facility. I wouldn't stress too much.
We have a law requiring that our name and title are displayed on our name badges. I actually thought it was naiton wide; maybe it is just a state thing. it is called the Lewis Blackman law. It's fairly new.
As a nurse who worked in the county jail of a big city, we NEVER used our last names, strictly for what you have described. If it were me, in your shoes, I would call the local city jail and also the prison and find out what their policy is regarding name badges for the nursing staff. I would also ask them for the rationale. That way you could present this to your supervisor. If you are represented by a Union, this is a time to alert the Union and file a grievance because your safety and that of your family are in jeopardy. Or, contact a lawyer that handles employment issues. Good luck.
I work LTC. We USED to have our last names on our badges but they decided it was too much info. Now we only have our first name and qualification. Your employer should follow suit.
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.
Provide staff with identification badges, preferably without last names, to readily verify employment.
Good luck!
Thank you for the link to the osha website. I work in a clinic and we all have our first and last names on our badges. If we only had our first names they could figure out who was on the night the patient was complaining about since there are only a handful of us any given night working. Also, when we leave at night, no one is supposed to be left alone but since I am the clinic manager I am always the last to leave. Some people are really kind about staying the extra five minutes max to finish the last chart and close up the place but often I end up alone. One night I accidentally set our alarm off and when I called the police department to report it they knew nothing about it. So a lot of good it does for me. I think I will be printing a copy of the info out and leaving it for our clinic leader, perhaps annonymously. I can just hear being told I am being paranoid and to either get over it or leave (even though it is their rule that a person shouldn't be left alone). I know it doesn't matter how old or young you are that you can be a victim.
At one time I was going to do work at a national women's clinic but when I asked about security and threats I was basically told perhaps I shouldn't volunteer there.
interesting replies. i like the remove the badge idea. i do this at times as it can get in the way of transfers. our facility doesnt require our last name
I'm trying to figure out what the benefit is behind putting our last names on badges. I can't think of one. But I do see a benefit in NOT including our last name - protection for us.
If for some legitimate reason a patient needs to refer to, or track down, an employee, it can be done with only a first name.
At my current facility, our badges do include our last name, which I don't agree with. I feel very vulnerable. However, many nurses cover their last name with tape and management never has an issue with that. At other hospitals I've worked at, we only had our first names. What that says to me is that management is more supportive and protective of employees. In today's age with the Internet, etc., we need more privacy protection, especially in dealing with psych patients. That's just a fact.
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elkpark
14,633 Posts
I thought we were talking about last names on badges -- I'm not aware that anyone in this discussion has suggested that we have a professional responsibility to advertise our home addresses and 'phone numbers ... Where did that come from??