Would you tell the family?????????????

PMHNP10 · Mar 1, 2005

Would you tell the family of a patient who died do to neglect? I am just wondering about your opinions. I personally think all of these lawsuites are for the birds. BUT some are actually legit.
I mean if it was just plain out neglect of a patient that caused death, would you as the nurse call the family?

I would not. What if you are wrong, or if there was an extenuating circumstance you weren't aware of and you have accused this nurse of wrongdoing. If a patient truly dies of neglect, I'd think there would be some sort of investigation where you could state what you know. Also key is that I wouldn't think it wise to go straight to the family with this information, but if you have real proof that the nurse was neglectful, take it to your supervisor.

Why do you ask?

shandy84 · Mar 1, 2005

I would not. What if you are wrong, or if there was an extenuating circumstance you weren't aware of and you have accused this nurse of wrongdoing. If a patient truly dies of neglect, I'd think there would be some sort of investigation where you could state what you know. Also key is that I wouldn't think it wise to go straight to the family with this information, but if you have real proof that the nurse was neglectful, take it to your supervisor.
Why do you ask?

Not nessassarily just one nurse........... The staffing conditions of the hospital and the failure of the doctor to treat......................... Short staffing leading to neglect

begalli · Mar 1, 2005

Gosh, this is tough. I know where you're coming from shandy84. I think what I would do if I were you is report this hospital to JCHAO (if it's the same place that you were talking about in this thread) or the Ark BON. Actually, maybe you could contact your BON and ask their opinion or even seek the opinion of an attorney specifically invloved in one way or another in healthcare (maybe a JD?).

I understand completely your frustration in substandard care. From the perspective of the daughter of the recipient of substandard healthcare, I would appreciate if a nurse that was involved in my situation contacted me to talk, but I also understand the reprecussions doing something like this might cause. I wouldn't want anyone to take that risk for my benefit.

When I first read your post asking "would you tell," I went looking on the internet for a precedent or for information. You are in a tough position. You want so much to make a difference and undo an injustice. By virtue of being a nurse we are ethically obligated to report these types of situations. But I don't think the obligation extends to direct reporting or contact with family members.

I think that you have to be careful treading the whistleblower role. Do your homework and get good advice. Protect yourself first and foremost. Please be careful. Find the support you need to pursue what you feel is right. Maybe you could call or write back to the ANA?

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 1, 2005

Call adult protective services anonymously.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2005

I think most of us have been in the same boat one time or another and the dilemma never gets any easier. It is a difficult call, but if you have all the facts and you are sure that this patient wouldn't have died if it hadn't been for neglect then go with it. You must remember to consider the patients relatives will they be better knowing this? Or is it kinder to leave them with the memory that their loved one passed away peacefully because if they find out this information it may torment them for life.

Do some reflection and see how you can come up with a way to prevent it happening again. Do others feel the same way you do?