Unsafe doctor...do I report it?

[Munimula]

Do I report this?

Recently a doctor at an elective surgery facility came to work ill. This doctor had a fever, diarrhea, diaphoretic, asked an anesthesiologist to start an iv, fluids and medicines too stop nausea and vomiting. This doctor had patients prepped and waiting to have surgery during this time, then performed these elective surgeries. I feel obligated to report this. Who do I report it to? Can I remain anonymous? I don't want this to come back to me.

[PixieRN1]

I'm not so bothered about the being sick part, as much as the IV and meds. However, I do know this happens. I've worked in PACU and heard thru the grapevine that Dr. SoAndSo fell out, was placed in a bay and given fluids, perked up, and went into the OR for a full day. Yes, it's very unsettling and yes, administration that day should have been made aware somehow.

Whether they do something or not, meh. Probably not. But that's not our call to make. If I had been there and I had told my charge and gotten blown off, I probably would have completed an incident report and left it at that. My facility has a no retribution” policy, but that being said, I wouldn't have advertised to a soul that I filled one out, nor would I have told my charge nurse if I had filled one out. In the report, if I was a WITNESS to the fact (not second hand), I would document the facts, who I notified and when, and leave it at that.

That way, if a negative outcome were to occur, my butt would be covered that I reported it up the chain of command and had done my professional duty. But I wouldn't publically stand on my own soap box about it in the department. I would keep a tight lip once my direct supervisor was notified; just to do what I could to protect myself from retaliation.

That's a tough call but I would have done an incident report. I do believe it's too late now and it would reflect badly on you for not reporting it the day of and you could potentially get in trouble for that.

Just my thoughts.

[sevensonnets]

I'd like to know how the OP knew the surgeon was having diarrhea and that he didn't pay for the IV fluids used.