The following position is advertised on a career Web site: RN I Surgical Job Travel Involved: None. Job Type: Full-Time. Job Level: Minimum Education Required: Associate Degree Skills: Category: Nursing FTE: 0.9. Position Summary: Description/Purpose of Position: Responsible for providing patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Oversees and guides employees who are under your supervision. Requirements Description/Purpose of Position: Responsible for providing patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining

QUESTION

The following position is advertised on a career Web site: RN I Surgical Job Travel Involved: None. Job Type: Full-Time. Job Level: Minimum Education Required: Associate Degree Skills: Category: Nursing FTE: 0.9. Position Summary: Description/Purpose of Position: Responsible for providing patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Oversees and guides employees who are under your supervision. Requirements Description/Purpose of Position: Responsible for providing patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining

the standard of care for assigned patients through assessment, planning, implementation, and

evaluation. Oversees and guides employees that are under your supervision. Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing. License/Certification: Current RN license in the state of XXX. Current BCLS Certification. Other: Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/service appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit/department. Note: An RN graduate is a nurse who has completed a course of study at a school of nursing and is eligible for the NCLEX. The RN graduate performs directly under the supervision of the charge nurse or RN designee.

1. List three substantive questions you might expect to be asked in an interview for the job, and summarize your answers.
2. Describe three to five ways in which you could prepare for the interview to make the most positive impression.
3. Be sure to describe what you would wear and what material you would bring with you.

Your best friend, Lindsey, and you are working together in the surgical ICU. Often you cover for her when she goes to lunch or on breaks. You notice that often her clients complain of being in pain, even though she has told you that she medicated them right before she left the unit. You also notice that she appears to be very jumpy and short-tempered and a bit disheveled when she comes to work. You are suspicious that she is using the medications that she says she is giving to her clients.

1. What should you do first?

2. What might be the consequences if you decide to do nothing?

3. ANSWER

4. Taking Action: Addressing Concerns About a Colleague’s Behavior in the Surgical ICU

   Introduction

   Working in the healthcare field requires a strong commitment to patient care and safety. When we encounter situations where we suspect a colleague may be engaging in unethical or potentially harmful behavior, it is our responsibility to take appropriate action. This essay will discuss the first steps to take when faced with suspicions about a colleague’s behavior, as well as the potential consequences of choosing to do nothing in such a situation.

   What should you do first?

   When suspecting that a colleague is behaving unethically, the first step is to gather objective evidence and information to support your concerns. It is crucial to approach the situation in a professional and empathetic manner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling this delicate situation:

   Document observations

   Keep a record of specific instances where you have noticed discrepancies in your colleague’s behavior, such as clients complaining of pain despite being medicated or the colleague’s unusual demeanor (Wells, 2008).

   Communicate with your colleague

    Approach your friend Lindsey privately and express your concerns in a non-confrontational and supportive manner. Use “I” statements to focus on your observations and how they have made you concerned for the well-being of the patients.

   Consult with a superior

    If your conversation with Lindsey does not yield satisfactory answers or resolutions, it is essential to escalate the matter to a supervisor, charge nurse, or manager. Share the documented evidence and observations, emphasizing your dedication to patient safety.

   Follow institutional protocols

   Adhere to the established reporting procedures within your organization. This may involve filing a formal report or submitting an incident form to ensure the matter is properly addressed and investigated.

    What might be the consequences if you decide to do nothing

   Choosing to ignore suspicions about a colleague’s behavior can have serious consequences for both patients and the healthcare team. By not taking action, the following negative outcomes could occur:

   Patient harm

   The primary consequence of inaction is the potential for patient harm. If Lindsey is indeed misusing medications or not providing adequate pain management, patients may suffer unnecessary pain and compromised care (Whitten et al., 2005).

   Ethical and legal ramifications

   Inaction could lead to a breach of professional ethics and legal responsibilities. As healthcare professionals, we have a duty to ensure patient safety and report any concerns regarding colleague misconduct (Kadivar, 2017). Failing to do so could result in professional disciplinary action and legal consequences for yourself and the institution.

   Erosion of trust and teamwork

   A lack of action may erode trust within the healthcare team. Other team members may become aware of the situation or suspect your knowledge of the issue, leading to a breakdown in teamwork and communication.

   Reputation and credibility

    If it becomes known that you were aware of potential misconduct but chose not to address it, your professional reputation and credibility may suffer. This can impact future employment opportunities and professional relationships.

   Conclusion

   In situations where suspicions arise about a colleague’s behavior, it is imperative to take action in the best interest of patient care and safety. By following the steps outlined above and reporting your concerns to appropriate authorities, you can help ensure that ethical standards are maintained, and potential harm to patients is mitigated. Choosing to do nothing in such circumstances can have severe consequences, including patient harm, legal repercussions, erosion of trust, and damage to one’s professional reputation. Ultimately, by taking action, you uphold your professional obligations and contribute to a safe and ethical healthcare environment.

   References

   Kadivar, M. (2017). Ethical and legal aspects of patient’s safety: a clinical case report. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150915/ 

   Wells, N. (2008, April 1). Improving the Quality of Care Through Pain Assessment and Management. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2658/ 

   Whitten, C. E., Evans, C. S., & Cristobal, K. (2005). Pain Management Doesn’t have to be a Pain: Working and Communicating Effectively with Patients who have Chronic Pain. The Permanente Journal, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/04-140