What would you do?

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The other day was our first day of clinicals and we had to basically shadow but not do too much. (I have many years of experience in the setting we were in.) What would you do if the person you were shadowing was COMPLETELY unprofessional? I don't think I saw her wash her hands ONCE! She had a complete lack of give a $#!% attitude and was NOT about to hide it. They were short staffed but give me a break!!!! When we mentioned to our instructor one of the MANY comments she made - our instructor made a shocked look like she could not believe it. This person was taking food off of peoples trays and eating it right in the main diningroom!!! In front of the families and nurse! I was taught better than this and it freaked me out. You would think she would AT LEAST PRETEND TO BE PROFESSIONAL in front of the students!!!! So anyhow.....what would you do? Part of me wants to say something. But the other part of me does not want to rock the boat.

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

  1. Stay within the boundaries of your job description
  2. Follow the chain of command

or

you will be as guilty of not following the rules, just different one, as well.

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I would make an appointment to talk to one of my instructors, share my story with her, and ask for advice. She has probably been there before and understands the reporting duties and obligations and can help you decide what needs to be done.

Good luck, you'll make the right decision.

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Ironically, we just watched a video in class today about Elder Abuse. I know that your first post mentioned the nurse eating off the patient's trays, so that's not really elder abuse, but I think you did mention name-calling and residents being fearful in another post. Well, this video stated that if you witness abuse and you don't do anything about it, then you're just as guilty. And yes, that goes for student nurses too!

That makes it pretty clear cut what I would do!

(I would probably talk to my instructor first though, before calling the ombudsman).

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