MarkMiller

I try as much as possible. I have made mistakes and I have apologised for it.....and brought chocolate. I know it is very hard for good staff....with a patient ratio of 18 patients to one nurse. It's just insane. I could never do their job and for what they do...they are like a hero to my me....they ARE my heros. They deserve better than they get.

anhailla

I told you once that I know the laws...okay?
I can absolutely can ask a visitor to leave the hallway if they are looking into other patients rooms...and they will leave if they are acting inappropriately which you weren't. If they refuse to leave, they will be removed.
No one has any right to stare into a strangers room, and as far as I can tell we are in agreement on this issue

__________________
...either I go, or that wallpaper does.

Oscar Wilde

MarkMiller

That is disgusting.....you are lucky you had another hospital to go to.

I don't want you to think I don't trust your knowledge. Just this particular subject cannot be interpreted in any other way. The HIPAA Law is well written and easy to understand so I am sure you have good knowledge of it.

anhailla

we all make mistakes MM....and health care is in big trouble, we are looking at a million nurse shortage by 2020

it's getting worse and worse for the nurses

__________________
...either I go, or that wallpaper does.

Oscar Wilde

anhailla

lol...I'm lucky I didn't get thrown in jail as mad as I was, thank god I was able to control it.

The bottom line is ER's are getting overwhelmed and unfortunately we all pay dearly for that.

Some people go to the ER because they know the can get treatment without insurance....so non-emergent situations bog the staff down.
by the way...pain control is absolutely an appropriate reason to be in the ER.

__________________
...either I go, or that wallpaper does.

Oscar Wilde

MarkMiller

While I agree that looking into another persons room is not a good idea or an appropriate thing. It is not in HIPAA law. There is nothing that says anyhting about what a staff member can do to visitor. It is not in the HIPAA Law. That is why these rooms have privacy curtains.

You may do what ever you feel is right, but there are no doors in our ER and I can look directly at patients any time they are in my line of vision. It is not part of the patients privacy. Also patients are lined up in hallways and i have every right to look at or someone who is bleeding, ill, or may poss a hazard to myself and my family....but mainly I can look I cannot enter another room.

You may have other policies that we are not discussing. But HIPAA law is not designed as a tool to remove someone unless they are in a Records room or other location which contains patient information, which should be locked.

MarkMiller

To be clear...my mother was not there for pain. She had a respitory emergancy the second time since i was here. Pnumonia was the first trip. (God i can't spell). But Comfort was a major priority....as her doctor has written many times.

anhailla

Actually, active charts do not need to be locked up. But I understand the point you are trying to make about HIPPA.
The idea is that visitors really don't need to be in ER hallways unless there is no alternative. In fact, if another patient is bleeding...it's one more reason not to have visitors around for the visitors safety.

Patients in hallways is a very undesirable situation, unfortunately there are times when it can't be avoided...which speaks to a bigger problem in our health care system

I really do wish you and your mother the best in this difficult time

__________________
...either I go, or that wallpaper does.

Oscar Wilde

MarkMiller

Thank you for your kind thoughts. it is something i truely believe you mean. I apologise for my brisk attitude. I have been speaking about this issue a great deal to many different people at many different locations and it has made me very "Matter of Fact' about it.

Visitors actualy are a part of patients rights. They really do need to be there. As I have said, there will be times when a visitor may be asked to step out of the room without having to leave the ER area. In that intance they have the right to be in that hall. But....patients and visitors have reponsibilities as well, one of which is to be considerate of other patients and hospital staff by not making unnecessary noise or causing distractions.

You do make one point that needs to be shouted from the rooftops of every statecapital in the US....Patients in hallways ...which speaks to a bigger problem in our health care system.

I would only ask one question. Who do you feel is the most important equation in our Healthcare system. The staff....or the patient. I feel safe in your answer being the patient. Not becuase i wish to speak for you or put words in your mouth, but because you have always seemed like a caring person as well as professional. We can debate, argue and even fight....but you care about people. I truly believe that.

I want you to know that discussing this with you seemed VERY important to me. I hope you understand this is not the regular sort of debate and I wish you to continue to reply and comment. I had hoped for some responce from medical personal. I thank you for it.

anhailla

oh there is no need to apologize, your mother is ill and you were treated wrong, I know that can be traumatic.



absolutely, I agree
yes...we have big problems, more problems than I will discuss but the looming nursing shortage is very critical and make no mistake, that will put patients at risk if hospitals are not forced BY LAW to have adequate staff to patient ratios

the patients safety always comes first...the only small exception is when the staff are physically threatened, which is uncommon but is an issue, especially in an ER and especially with intoxicated patients...law enforcement can be called to assist with violent patients.
I understand, but if you need to post and vent frustrations, and aren't looking for my comments I promise I will not interfere...if you would like me not to comment, PM me and I won't...beyond that I will use some discretion, the last thing I would want to do is upset you when you are sharing something so personal.
good luck with MM, make sure you take good of yourself while your mother is ill
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__________________
...either I go, or that wallpaper does.

Oscar Wilde