I am also a student nurse and was caring for a pedi pt that had a appendectomy. I was ambulating him down the hall, taking it slow. My fellow student was about 10 ft behind me, walking with my pt's mother. Earlier in the day, the mother had asked me what was wrong with the baby next door b/c it had been crying all night long. I said I dont know but I know that when babies are in an unfamiliar surrounding, they are not easily comforted. Maybe we can get a fan in to make white noise to drowned out some of the crying. I didnt reveal anything that was wrong with the pt or even if it was m or f. My comrade on the other hand told her that she thought she was sick with a stomach flu and pretty cranky but they are from ***** and she knew them. She said she thinks they are going home today.
I know I should have said something right then and there, but it is hard as a student to already put up with everyone thinking you are a perfectionist or a know it all. I didnt want to embarrasse the mother in front of her child. I still have the ablitity to do something b/c this just happened this week and we have not had classes yet.
:confused:What should I do? Tell the student something or tell the instructor. This student and I already have a bit of bad blood b/c I have called her on something before (privately but she ended up telling her groupies).
Maybe I will just say something in class like can you go over HIPAA standards when talking abt pt's. Is it ok if you refrain from saying a name but talk abt what is going on? The instructors can take it from there. Kinda like getting a refresher for ALL of us and I didnt put anyone in the spotlight.
This is a good idea.
Most people are familiar with the concept of HIPPA even if they don't understand the fine points, but humans are curious by nature, and we sometimes say things before we think them through. My point is that it is not uncommon for one patient to ask about another, so you can expect this type of situation to happen again at some point in the future. When it does, you could preface your explanation with this..."Pt confidentiality prevents me from revealing that information, but...", then give your generic explanation about an unfamiliar environment, or whatever applies at the time (or leave off an explanation entirely if appropriate). If a peer or colleague happens to be close by when it happens, it will also serve as a reminder to them and hopefully will prevent you from having to make this kind of decision.
i think you should talk to the student and just tell her..." i feel like u violated HIPPA rules by telling the mom xyz"... your in a learning environment.. and maybe the person forgot that she had to keep confidentiality about another patient. it happens and sometimes people just forget..
or if u dont feel comfortable you should talk to clinical instructor during the day and at post conference she should mention to EVERYONE patient information should only be passed on to those caring for the patient..kind of hey guys just remember to respect your patients privacy kinda thing... You don't have to tell the instructor who it was etc.
GM2RN
1,850 Posts
This is a good idea.
Most people are familiar with the concept of HIPPA even if they don't understand the fine points, but humans are curious by nature, and we sometimes say things before we think them through. My point is that it is not uncommon for one patient to ask about another, so you can expect this type of situation to happen again at some point in the future. When it does, you could preface your explanation with this..."Pt confidentiality prevents me from revealing that information, but...", then give your generic explanation about an unfamiliar environment, or whatever applies at the time (or leave off an explanation entirely if appropriate). If a peer or colleague happens to be close by when it happens, it will also serve as a reminder to them and hopefully will prevent you from having to make this kind of decision.