Question

You work with a colleague that has disclosed information about their current substance abuse issues. You encourage them to speak with your supervisor because their behavior could put patients at risk. They refuse and beg you to remain quiet. You know going to your supervisor is clearly hearsay because your colleague doesn’t ever show signs of impairment but you have grave concerns about patient safety. Your colleague disclosed that they are seeing a counselor in the hospital where you both work and you know that means you could access their patient records; giving you the documentation you need to escalate your concerns. What do you do?

Answer 1

Answer: According to the above scenario mentioned, here the information is being disclosed. But for a nurse or healthcare professionals the patient's safety is more important than anything else. The main aim of the healthcare professionals is to provide better Healthcare as well as privacy, safety of patient's information.

So, it is better to discuss the issue with the supervisor rather than taking risk and making problem for safety concern of the patient.