I am just curious what others would do, as this happened a couple weeks ago so what was done about it is done.
I want to know what would you do in this scenario:
You arrive at work to take over for the last shift, everyone is acting normal, and they head home. This isn't necessarily in a hospital, but I don't want to give out the exact location or work type of place. You head into the bathroom to use the facilities and go number 2 (i know it's gross, but I have to include it), as you turn around to wipe you notice something yellow in the toilet. You move the TP out of the way and realize its a 25 g needle, which is obviously a bit strange and suspicious to find in a toilet. In the trash is the wrapper and cap to it, a vial cover, and an empty flush wrapper, no syringes though. You call a couple of people who you know have chronic medical issues and they deny that they gave themselves any prescribed medication using a needle.
Would you say something to management?
So, pretend you said no to the above, but there were some red flags with regards to narcotics over the last month or two, would that change your mind about notifying management?
AND NO this is not homework, this actually happened!
If you read the post that I was referring to (obviously you didn't), the person said that I called the people and interrogated them about DIVERTING, not about using prescribed medication. I hope that clears it up for you!
Calling a couple of co-workers and simply asking if they used a needle and threw it in the toilet, with an emphasis on use related to a medical problem and prescribed medication was to emphasize the fact that I was NOT calling to accuse them of diverting, and that is NOT interrogation! It was an attempt to AVOID management involvement; had they said yes, I would have simply asked them to put it in a appropriate sharps container next time!
Annie
Who are you to go around calling your coworkers who have chosen to disclose their medical issues? If you were so concerned about safety, do get management involved, and they'll tell EVERYONE to be careful with sharps for personal medical use. You know, it could have been someone who has chosen to not disclose medical issues to his/her coworkers.
dudette10, MSN, RN
3,530 Posts
Who are you to go around calling your coworkers who have chosen to disclose their medical issues? If you were so concerned about safety, do get management involved, and they'll tell EVERYONE to be careful with sharps for personal medical use. You know, it could have been someone who has chosen to not disclose medical issues to his/her coworkers.