Pt's FB pictures of me

[rse3]

I am a nursing student, and my dad is an ON/GYN. I recently helped him deliver a baby, and his pt took pictures of us and posted them on Facebook. I would like to have these pictures, as I hope to become a CNM, and would love to have a picture of my dad and me at my first delivery. (There are pics of us with and without the baby.)

Is it a HIPAA violation if I click on the "..." and save these pictures to my phone since she made them public on Facebook (we are not FB friends. I searched for her.) I really want these pictures, but want to have them legitimately. Thanks!

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

You still haven't explained what's inappropriate. Just the nepotistic angle? Or are you immaturely (or creepily) implying that it's inappropriate in another way?

My reply to you was polite.

I did not imply any of those things about you.

I was merely stating my impressions and opinions.

You are now calling me immature and creepy for just answering you.

Kettle meet pot.

[rse3]

My reply to you was polite.

I did not imply any of those things about you.

I was merely stating my impressions and opinions.

You are now calling me immature and creepy for just answering you.

Kettle meet pot.

Not calling you anything. I was asking. You clarified.

[rse3]

If it has given you something to think about than the thread served it's purpose.

What was your motivation for searching her?

My motive for searching her was that she took the pictures and told me she was posting them to Facebook. I later thought that I would like to have a copy of the picture, and thought that if her profile was public (I didn't know that at the time; it was a big "if"), I could possibly get a copy of it. I was not trying to check up on her or pry into her personal life or anything. It was honestly an innocent motive.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

My motive for searching her was that she took the pictures and told me she was posting them to Facebook. I later thought that I would like to have a copy of the picture and thought that if her profile was public (I didn't know that at the time; it was a big "if"), I could possibly get a copy of it. I was not trying to check up on her or pry into her personal life or anything. It was honestly an innocent motive.[/quote']

If she told you she was posting them to Facebook then I guess that's partly an invitation to search for them.

[rse3]

Neither the school (I just looked in the handbook), nor the hospital (I know because I work in the hospital, and know plenty of people working with relatives) have policies that one cannot work with a relative. Even my peers said that they thought that it was really neat that I got to have that experience. Luckily, it seems that the only people having a problem with it are some strangers on the Internet.

[pookyp, LPN]

My motive for searching her was that she took the pictures and told me she was posting them to Facebook. I later thought that I would like to have a copy of the picture and thought that if her profile was public (I didn't know that at the time; it was a big "if"), I could possibly get a copy of it. I was not trying to check up on her or pry into her personal life or anything. It was honestly an innocent motive.[/quote']

Why didn't you ask her right there on the spot if you could have a copy and give her your email if having the pic was som important to you? Or did it not dawn on you until you got home?

During my OB rotation I helped deliver a baby. I felt proud and happy. Told my husband and sister. That's it. It's a memory I will never forget. I never thought about a pic and I'm In the younger generation that loves social media. Just store that moment in your memory. I'm sure you'll deliver a lot more babies once you're a CNM.

[pookyp, LPN]

Neither the school (I just looked in the handbook) nor the hospital (I know because I work in the hospital, and know plenty of people working with relatives) have policies that one cannot work with a relative. Even my peers said that they thought that it was really neat that I got to have that experience. Luckily, it seems that the only people having a problem with it are some strangers on the Internet.[/quote']

Well you asked strangers on the internet for advice and a discussion. You can't get upset when it's not a response that you agree with.

[MunoRN, RN]

I often search for patient's names in the Obituaries (AKA Facebook for ICU Nurses), am I violating an ethical principle?

It may seem rhetorical, but I really am curious if we see that as being different or the same thing.

[ixchel]

Love, I believe you when you say your motive was innocent. I also believe you were anticipating this wouldn't be a good move on your part, or else you wouldn't have started this thread. It feels as though your emotional connection to the situation is leading you to feel personally attacked by those who are offering feedback regarding different ethical considerations in your dilemma.

Perhaps you could take a step back and revisit this thread tomorrow, with a fresh mind. Many valid points have been raised. I don't doubt your excellence in the clinical setting for a second. You clearly made a bond with this family and you sound like a real go-getter in general. If you search your heart, surely you'll see that you felt like there might be something wrong with contacting this new mom if you brought this question here.

Best wishes to you, and I hope the path you choose is the right one for all involved.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

Neither the school (I just looked in the handbook) nor the hospital (I know because I work in the hospital, and know plenty of people working with relatives) have policies that one cannot work with a relative. Even my peers said that they thought that it was really neat that I got to have that experience. Luckily, it seems that the only people having a problem with it are some strangers on the Internet.[/quote']

You asked our thoughts and opinions and we have shared them. You can take the advice or not. Why do people get so offended when people disagree with them or give the a device they don't like?

[rse3]

You asked our thoughts and opinions and we have shared them. You can take the advice or not. Why do people get so offended when people disagree with them or give the a device they don't like?

You're correct. I did ask strangers on the Internet about something totally different. I never asked anyone if they thought it was okay that I was working with my dad. My feelings aren't hurt. That's why I said "luckily." If the school or the clinical sight had a problem with it, I would be screwed.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

It may seem rhetorical, but I really am curious if we see that as being different or the same thing.

I don't search the obits specifically but rather leisurely on occasion.

I would think browsing public papers is okay.