Security Issue----Name Tags? What do you do?

LeahJet, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2005

It's so funny that this issue came up!.... Just today, I was in HR at a hosp. where I am orienting. When I was getting my name badge made, I told the HR lady that I will be working in the ER and asked if last names were mandatory. Ms. Personality just said "yes" in a flat tone and snapped my pic. Fortunately, the camera didn't catch my eye roll.

The last couple of places I worked (travel nsg), last names weren't required. I really don't see why last names are needed. Pts. and visitors can ID us by first names, dept., and shift worked.

Personally, I'm not crazy about everyone knowing my last name. That should be on a need-to-know basis.

fergus51 · Oct 25, 2005

. Pts. and visitors can ID us by first names, dept., and shift worked.

That isn't true where I work. We routinely have 2 or 3 Cathys, Jennifers, Jaimes, etc working the same shift. If patients want your last name, they only have to request access to their chart even if it isn't on your nametag.

oncrnmom · Oct 25, 2005

We have both first and last names on our badges here in in the ED where I am. We see 70,000+ pts. a year. To add insult to injury the BON in GA lists our addresses with our names on their website. I guess if someone is so inclined they can easily find us!

TweetiePieRN · Oct 25, 2005

We have both first and last names on our badges here in in the ED where I am. We see 70,000+ pts. a year. To add insult to injury the BON in GA lists our addresses with our names on their website. I guess if someone is so inclined they can easily find us!

I bet if nursing students got wind of this, they would change their major faster than you could blink! Just what this nursing shortage needs!!

JessicRN · Oct 25, 2005

Interestingly enough, the Nevada law says the first and last name must be "clearly visible from at least 3 feet away." I don't know where our Nurses Association was when this was passed, but obviously they think we're immune to stalking and gangs here. The last place I worked (in New Mexico) had first and last name on the badge, but the first name was big and black, the last name small and light gray, so it was essentially not readable. We did this for staff security - even in the rural areas there are gangs and stalkers.
[This message has been edited by Mary H. (edited August 28, 2000).]

Hi I currently work in a public heath Emergency Dept in MA and our ID has to have first and last name as will as picture. We have to carry it on us at all times as this the the ID we use to access the dept not to mention coming in from the outside. I used to work in a truama one ER in Abilene Tx and not only did you have an ID with your full name, dept and picture but you were to introduce yourself and give the pt a card with all your information ugh!!!

ERERER · Oct 25, 2005

OH NO!!! first names only!!! I also have been victim of a stalker. did you know that the state board of nursing's website has a look-up, and you can get the home address of nurses, doctors, etc etc. from it???? I promptly contacted them and they changed it to read "confidential" on the website. ended up having to move anyway, it was too late. Unfortunately the people who want to do you harm are VERY VERY clever, especially with the internet. don't forget, we are usually the reporters (mandatory) of child, spousal, elder abuse. I value the privacy and security of my home

TweetiePieRN · Oct 25, 2005

OH NO!!! first names only!!! I also have been victim of a stalker. did you know that the state board of nursing's website has a look-up, and you can get the home address of nurses, doctors, etc etc. from it???? I promptly contacted them and they changed it to read "confidential" on the website. ended up having to move anyway, it was too late. Unfortunately the people who want to do you harm are VERY VERY clever, especially with the internet. don't forget, we are usually the reporters (mandatory) of child, spousal, elder abuse. I value the privacy and security of my home

I agree with you wholeheartedly!! Sorry you had to go thru that too!

BamaBound2bRN · Oct 25, 2005

this is a very interesting topic, and as an instructor of self defense, this same topic comes up on campuses nearly every class i teach. recently i was at a sorority in florida, and one of the ladies was very vocal on her need for privacy and fear of stalking. with her consent, and the assistance of the fdle and campus police, we used her for a demo. without informing one of my associates of any information about her (not even her first name), we just introduced them with a hello, he was able to track her down at home and work, and was able to get information on her parents place of residence, work, and church, and within 24 hours visited her 8 year old sister at her private school and leave with the child! when she asked us, in horror i might add, how we were able to be so successful- i simply took her out to her personalized license plated car that had her name proudly displayed.

"locks are meant to keep honest people honest"

TweetiePieRN · Oct 25, 2005

this is a very interesting topic, and as an instructor of self defense, this same topic comes up on campuses nearly every class i teach. recently i was at a sorority in florida, and one of the ladies was very vocal on her need for privacy and fear of stalking. with her consent, and the assistance of the fdle and campus police, we used her for a demo. without informing one of my associates of any information about her (not even her first name), we just introduced them with a hello, he was able to track her down at home and work, and was able to get information on her parents place of residence, work, and church, and within 24 hours visited her 8 year old sister at her private school and leave with the child! when she asked us, in horror i might add, how we were able to be so successful- i simply took her out to her personalized license plated car that had her name proudly displayed.
"locks are meant to keep honest people honest"

our work gave us license plate frames that have the name of our hospital on them. i was excited to put it on my car until my husband made a good point! "you don't want random people knowing where you work!" threw the license plate frame away.