Question

Barbara Gonzales is a special procedures nurse at a medium-sized community hospital. She enjoys her position as it allows her to spend additional time with the patients who have come in for cardiac stress tests. In fact, she enjoys almost all aspects of her job with the exception of dealing with Dr. Jones, who is invariably late for procedure appointments. Barbara understands that physicians have full schedules and often must take additional time with some patients, which makes them late for all other appointments that day. However, in this case, it is not a professional issue that is causing the problem but rather a personal one. It is widely known among the staff that he is having an affair with a nurse from the critical care unit and spends time talking with the nurse while on the job. Barbara does not care who Dr: Jones is having an affair with and feels it is not her business to judge. However: she resents being brought into the matter; as the doctor has directed her to tell his waiting patients that he is being held up in an emergency.

1. Is Nurse Gonzales making a big deal over a small matter?
2. Does she have a duty to cover for her colleague?
3. How would you address this issue?
4. What best serves the patients?

Answer 1

1. Nurse Gonzales has a valid concern about Dr. Jones consistently being late due to a personal matter. 2. Nurse Gonzales does not have a duty to cover for her colleague's personal affairs. 3. Nurse Gonzales should address the issue by documenting incidents and discussing her concerns with the appropriate authorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Nurse Gonzales is not making a big deal over a small matter. It is understandable that she would be frustrated with Dr. Jones consistently being late for procedure appointments because of a personal matter. This behavior is unprofessional and affects the efficiency of the hospital.

2. Nurse Gonzales does not have a duty to cover for her colleague's personal affairs. Her primary responsibility is to provide quality care to the patients and maintain a professional work environment. Covering for Dr. Jones by lying to patients about an emergency is unethical and undermines the trust of the patients in the healthcare system.

3. To address this issue, Nurse Gonzales should document the incidents and discuss her concerns with the appropriate authorities at the hospital, such as her supervisor or human resources. It is important to maintain professionalism and adhere to the hospital's policies and code of conduct. By reporting the issue, steps can be taken to address the unprofessional behavior.

4. The best interest of the patients is served by providing them with accurate information about their appointments and ensuring timely and efficient care. Lying to patients about emergencies can compromise their trust in the healthcare system and may lead to delays and confusion. Ensuring open communication and addressing the issue with Dr. Jones can help improve patient care.