tough being a patient advocate

[nurse0541]

I've had a recent experience at a public health clinic. I went in as a registry nurse to work in a clinic. While there I noticed that the other nurses were using unwrapped syringes and needles. I inventoried the store room and found boxes of old syringes with yellowed paper and nine boxes of unwrapped syringes and needles that had been scotch taped closed and put back into an unlocked storage. I spoke with these nurses including the supervisors about the high risk of infection with using syringes that have been removed from the sterile wrapping. Once removed, the syringes are no longer sterile and could have been tampered with plus there was no way of telling how old they were. No one had any concerns with the use of these syringes, they were more concerned with money. I properly disposed of the nine boxes of unwrapped syringes and needles plus the old syringes with the yellowed paper. An unknown number of these syringes had been used. The patients at this clinic were also being treated abusively in the manner of speech that the nurses would use and in making the patients wait for hours for no good reason whatsoever. Some patients were told to leave and come back again three days running. The Department of Health Services and the Doctor in charge of public health was made aware of what was going on by those of us who were concerned and the patients were advised of how to file a complaint, the nurses involved banded together and lied to the director. Those of us who stood up for patient rights and safety suffered retaliation. I'm registry, I can move on, some nurses can't. The bottom line however, is the patients and if these practices will continue and how to stop them. How many of you feel the same way, sickened by callous treatment of patients? How do you handle it? :angryfire

[Sue Damonas, BSN]

I think it's wonderful that you did that!!! Thank you for caring and being such a great advocate!!!!!

[leslie :-D]

it's an honor to call you our colleague!

you will surely make a difference no matter what path you choose. :balloons:

leslie

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Yeah, I am proud of you, extremely proud that a move was made so quickly in the behalf of those poor patients. How do you use unwrapped needles on these people who are trusting us??? Horrible!!

[clee1]

HAPPY ENDING! It was hardly a week that went by when a big clean up of the dept had begun. ...... Fortunately, there is a shortage of nurses and there are a lot of other registries. I already found one who gave me $3 an hour pay raise!

You shall know the Truth, and Truth shall set you free!

[woody62, RN]

You have much to be proud of and thankful that the higher up's supported you. And took appropriate action. Unfortunately, administrations do not always take the right steps to correct wrong situations. Some are too concerned about their own jobs and others just don't care. To those that do, there are always the whistle blowers laws to protect you.

Woody:balloons: