To tell or not to tell!

amzyRN · Apr 10, 2015

Keep your mouth shut for now as you are still on probation and haven't even started on your own yet (you say you are orientation). Practice how you were taught and at a later time once you are off probation and are a "full fledged" employee, consider speaking to someone, depending on how they might receive this information. I'd also caution the way I presented the information. For me personally, because I need my job for survival I am not one to rock the boat at first. Later down the line, I've brought concerns to management but never to get anyone in trouble, rather to improve standards. Just my 2 cents.

On the other hand, you can say to the person who isn't wearing the gown, "aren't we supposed to wear gowns?" Sometimes people will walk into a room and not put on a gown if they aren't going to touch anything (not policy, but many people do this). I wouldn't take this to the manager or anything though, that would definitely be a bad idea I think.

chicsurfs, LPN · Apr 10, 2015

Idk how to add psu_213

This whole being a "snitch" reporting vs not reporting can play out just as bad!!!

Example: As a student I witnessed a stage 2 decubitis on a residence lower region while the cna was doing perinatal care. I never told her superior because I'm not there to get people fired and am just a student but I did stop her & pointed to it and she said, OHH I didn't even notice that! :nono:plz! It was daytime the room was well lit and it was about 2x3. Next thing I know she's running around making up false lies up about me..That's okay. I still haven't completed this program but if you don't think reporting something like this matters then hey I guess I'm a snitch and I'm ok with that because that poor resident could be anyone's Mom. I'm praying you see this as "different" matter or would you just let this go too and not "snitch" just curious???

Don't THUGS use terms like snitches geezzz

psu_213, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2015

Don't THUGS use terms like snitches geezzz

Did I ever say not to say anything? Did I ever say not to ask a nurse why he/she did not wear a gown? I would definitely ask the nurse about a stage II on someone's sacrum. And shame on that nurse for spreading lies about you.

However, if a new nurse/student runs right to the NM and tattle on the staff, then, yes, they will label you as a "snitch" (and if it is a student, he/she will have a very hard time finding a job). And since when is snitch a term that is reserved just for thugs?

lovinglife2015 · Apr 10, 2015

@cheesewhiz90

If patient advocacy is your calling, most hospitals have a few on staff. They make about $15 an hour. You should apply.

medicalforonevoice · Apr 13, 2015

I choose to look at these types of situations as,"Are you the solution or the problem." Walk lightly, think about your best approach. Being a patient advocate is wonderful; being terminated by being one isn't. Is there a way to get the point across without stepping on toes. I too look at "pick and choose your battles wisely." Years of experience and getting singed by getting too close to the fire taught me that.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2015

I can't believe I'm hearing all this advise, wow.

I understand why we are such cowards, but it is still disturbing to read all of the cowardice. Which is why Nursing will always be the way it is. We just lack courage, we wait for someone else to do it, we let fear of ostracism rule us. Not that these things aren't fearful and miserable, just that we convince ourselves it's ok to let meds sit on top of a cart, within easy reach of the public, other workers who might have drug problems, etc. We all know that's wrong and dangerous.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Apr 15, 2015

I understand why we are such cowards, but it is still disturbing to read all of the cowardice. Which is why Nursing will always be the way it is. We just lack courage, we wait for someone else to do it, we let fear of ostracism rule us. Not that these things aren't fearful and miserable, just that we convince ourselves it's ok to let meds sit on top of a cart, within easy reach of the public, other workers who might have drug problems, etc. We all know that's wrong and dangerous.

He's still in orientation. That is not the time to stand up & say something. I mean if he had been working there for at least a year, sure. Plus we don't even know the whole story behind each & every error.

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2015

"I saw X walk away from the computer once without logging out" sounds like an attempt to get X in trouble. "I have observed over the past few months that nobody will log out from their computer" is suggestive of a unit problem that requires the NM or unit educator to do some refresher training on privacy.

It's hard to give advice because we've only been given observations from one person, and remember that there are three sides to every story: his side, her side, and the truth. And because we only have a couple brief statements, it's hard to give solid advice outside of "keep your head down and observe. It's very easy to be dismissed before finishing orientation for vague reasons."

Now, had the OP said "I was a nurse hang a drip that was at to low of a concentration, to the point where the pump was saying it was too low and the orders said 'to protocol'" than yes, that's the sort of situation that needs to be reported immediately because it's an error that made it all the way to the patient.

morte, LPN, LVN · Apr 15, 2015

A little off-topic, but it's ORIENTING, not "orientating".

Blue! go read the mispronunciation thread! that is a word.

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2015

Now, had the OP said "I was a nurse hang a drip that was at to low of a concentration, to the point where the pump was saying it was too low and the orders said 'to protocol'" than yes, that's the sort of situation that needs to be reported immediately because it's an error that made it all the way to the patient.

That should have been "I SAW a nurse..." Yeesh. No more posting while trying to keep the cat from beating up the dog, Nony!

brandiep1982 · Apr 16, 2015

This is a tough situation. I hear you and your concern, and I understand it. I also understand being "taken aback" by some responses. You have every reason to be a little surprised. However, I think rather than simply not telling and "picking your battles", I would lay low for now. Get through orientation. Build friendships and trust with your coworkers, or at least with supervisors. SHow yourself to be a team player, and a patient advocate by taking care of your patients in the manner you know you should. Set the example.

Over time, you will gain ground and have an effect on people. You will train new employees. When you do, train them NOT to do those things. And with current coworkers, eventually you will be able to find friendly ways to make corrections.

Be the change you want to see.

RamTaur · Apr 16, 2015

Lead by example, it may be a slow process but an effective one. That's advocating for both sides. The nurse, and unit that your assigned to should be an extension of your educational experience. You should feel comfortable where your assigned, to take on the challenges that await your career path. Unfortunately, some of us have to jump right in, and take on more than they expected, that includes textbook universal precautions. Some nurses on the unit are either to scared, or are simply followers, and don't want to make waves, it doesn't make them bad people. Like the ole saying goes, " Actions speak stronger than words." You've been placed there for a reason, whether it was your choice, or someone recommended the opening. Remember, someone is always watching. Stay strong, look at your colleagues dead in the eye, make your presence known........All my best, Peace, Samuel. :nurse: