Student - HIPAA

[StudentNurse244224]

Hi everyone,

so my first time being in a clinical setting, I used the hospital computer to look up patients who weren’t mine. I would read up on their medication and diagnoses to try and learn

I realize now what a huge violation of HIPAA that was. I only did it a few times and it was about a year ago. I mean I realized sooner than now but I’ve been nervous to post because I was afraid of everyone yelling at me. 
 

obviously I know it was wrong and I’ve never made that mistake again, but what will happen now? Is it possible it won't go detected? Especially if it’s been this long? 
 

and if it’s found out after I pass my NCLEX will I lose my license?

 

 

[Angitia]

Nothing will happen. Don’t worry. If there was a concern, a manager probably would have talked to you by now. If this comes up in the future, you can give them your explanation. Just don’t do it again. You can only access your patients. 

[londonflo]

1 hour ago, Angitia said:

. Don’t worry. If there was a concern, a manager probably would have talked to you by now

No, the manager would not be the one to handle the matter.....it will go to the school for the Dean/Faculty to handle. You just don't get 'talked to". It results in termination from the program. Patient privacy is closely guarded by the government and healthcare institutions. I am not sure you are fully involved in all the intricacies of healthcare.   And the computer checks are not done daily/weekly/monthly in some institutions

On 12/10/2021 at 1:05 AM, StudentNurse244224 said:

so my first time being in a clinical setting, I used the hospital computer to look up patients who weren’t mine. I would read up on their medication and diagnoses to try and learn

There are plenty of resources that are available for you to learn and I truly am not sure you are entirely forthcoming with this explanation. If you never hear anything from your school, thank your lucky stars. It is important for everyone (including  new students with itchy computer fingers) to zealously guard every patient's right to privacy. This should have been included in one of your first lectures/clinicals.

[prenursingtips1112]

You're just a student and didn't know any better. Just make sure not to do it again and you'll be fine given that no one's said anything.