Should Staff At Nursing Homes Be Banned From Having Cell Phones With Cameras?

[chase4myheart]

After reading and listening to the news about staff taking nude photos of residents at Waddell Nursing Home in Galax Virginia, I am sickened by the thought of how anyone could do something like this. Two staff members (CNA's) took nude photos of residents without their knowledge. Police are unsure yet if the photos actually made it on the internet. As a nurse, I am wondering how do I protect my residents from this where I work? At least 99.9% of the staff where I work have cell phones with cameras on them, and how easy would it be for someone to snap a picture without the nurse or supervisor's knowledge. Our policy is that cell phones are to be turned off or placed on vibrate while in the building, but I think that I'll just suggest that cell phones not be allowed in the building. If there is an emergency, staff can be contacted by the facility phone. I just can't stand the idea of my resident's being violated in this manner. Anyone else have any feelings on this?

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

That's over the top. And most people would sneak their phones in anyway. Do you honestly think a whole lot of people want to take pictures like that? And that taking away their phones solves the problem? Everyone knows that taking pictures is NOT ALLOWED. Period. Those girls did it anyway. I don't see how taking everyone's cell phones away really does anything but make everybody feel like they can't be trusted; meanwhile the problem is still there.

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Agree with pp, individuals who would do such a thing are, at best, dishonest to begin with and would not be deterred by a "no phone" policy. They would just violate it.

You can't regulate personal ethics or character, just deal with the consequences (termination and/or criminal prosecution, as appropriate).

DeLana

[chase4myheart]

Where I was employed at before entering the field of nursing, cell phones weren't allowed due to risks of blue prints and designs being photographed and copied. If you were found with a cell phone on the premises, you were fired. Are you saying that residents rights and privacy are less important than that? Also, the sad fact is that a lot of people can't be trusted. Just food for thought. Anyone else have any opinions?

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Where I was employed at before entering the field of nursing, cell phones weren't allowed due to risks of blue prints and designs being photographed and copied. If you were found with a cell phone on the premises, you were fired. Are you saying that residents rights and privacy are less important than that? Also, the sad fact is that a lot of people can't be trusted. Just food for thought. Anyone else have any opinions?

Well, I somehow don't understand why your previous employer inconvenienced everyone because a very few (I hope) dishonest employees might violate intellectual property rights with a camera phone; better background checks might be more effective. If dishonest employees were so inclined, they could just bring in a small camera or simply use the copy machine. The criminal mind will find a way.

Again, you can't regulate personal character or ethics. If they want to do unethical or criminal things, they will.

DeLana

[Blove86]

Well, I somehow don't understand why your previous employer inconvenienced everyone because a very few (I hope) dishonest employees might violate intellectual property rights with a camera phone; better background checks might be more effective. If dishonest employees were so inclined, they could just bring in a small camera or simply use the copy machine. The criminal mind will find a way.

Again, you can't regulate personal character or ethics. If they want to do unethical or criminal things, they will.

DeLana

100% agree!!!!

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

you lost me when you said that nurses are copying blueprints ?? huh ???

why would we be doing that and where do you get your hands on them ??? i'm in the dark here ???

praiser :heartbeat

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

How would an employer make sure there weren't cell phones in purses and pockets? Would there be a search every time someone entered? Setting a rule against cell phones is, in my opinion, wayyy over the top, since almost everyone has one.

I think anyone who took pictures should be fired on the spot, as soon as it's discovered, but to police everyone for the crimes of the few is like putting Asian Americans in a retention camp because one Asian was part of a terrorist plot in America (I know this is a big stretch, but think about it!) You can't punish the group when only a few are guilty!

To quote my husband, though, those who took the pictures "should be duct taped to a tree, smeared with honey, and the bears should be let out" AND their pictures should be taken then and posted on the internet!!

There, I feel better and shall get off of my soapbox....

[systoly]

Over the years, I had to rely on my cell phone numerous times when the facility phone system went dead due to construction or malfunction, so I'm not in favor of a ban. I firmly believe we need much harsher consequences for those who choose to dehumanize, abuse, or steal from residents. Traffic fines are higher in construction zones (and it has worked), so why not double or tripple the penalty for offenses against residents.

[SunnyAndrsn]

I disagree with the OP's thought/idea of banning cell phones. The unscrupulous staff who took pics of residents with there phones disgust me, and I hope they are punished. However, all healthcare workers know they are to protect their residents/clients/patients. Period. These losers know the difference between right and wrong, and did the wrong.

Honestly, if my phone where banned from work, who would know if it was in my bag and turned off? Just like it always is at work...

What's next? Searching our things when we come into the building?

I just hope we can attract a higher class of CNA's than this.

[SunnyAndrsn]

Where I was employed at before entering the field of nursing, cell phones weren't allowed due to risks of blue prints and designs being photographed and copied. If you were found with a cell phone on the premises, you were fired. Are you saying that residents rights and privacy are less important than that? Also, the sad fact is that a lot of people can't be trusted. Just food for thought. Anyone else have any opinions?

and how many employees were searched?

[systoly]

Sunny, I feel your disgust and anger over incidents like this, but I don't think these individuals are capable of grasping what they have done. They won't even begin to understand the extend of the damage. That's why I believe the rug needs to be pulled from under them and the whole world needs to cave in on top of them.