In your
nursing career, have you ever had a famous actor or actress? Or how about a political figure? If not, you may at some point encounter such,
and there are some tips to consider ensuring things go well.
What Not To Do
First and
foremost, tell no one. That's right,
even close friends or family members.
Depending on the patient's level of fame, word can slip out very easily,
even when no harm is intended. Famous
people are a topic of excitement. You are not going to stop their whereabouts
from being discussed if one or more persons are aware. The patient is now a patient, and not an
actor, actress, or political figure.
They deserve complete privacy, and in fact not doing so could cost you
your job.
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Depending on
the patient's level of fame, tabloids and reporters may be waiting to stop any
employee that exits the hospital, so be prepared. A generic answer such as, we don't discuss
any patient, is appropriate. Never give
any indication that in fact the patient is in your care. Again, doing so can cost you your job.
Often when a
well known patient is admitted, they go by an assumed name. This is the name you should address them by
unless they indicate otherwise, do not refer to them by their real name unless
they specify you should do so, which is quite rare. Keep in mind, a hospital stay is generally a private
time, and that private time should be respected.
Don't ask for
an autograph, or tell them what a big fan you are. A hospital stay entitles the patient to an
escape from everyday life, which includes the acknowledgment that they are
famous.
What to Do
For the most
part you should treat your patient as you would any other; however there are
some obvious differences. You may be
referring to them by a fictitious name, so you will want to consider this when
making notes, etc. Make your patient feel comfortable, and assure them you
offer every patient the best care possible.
Be truthful
regarding their condition, and contact the attending physician if they have
questions beyond your scope of expertise.
Assure them that their identity will be protected as much as possible,
although never promise it is always protected, that cannot be guaranteed.
Related: Language Barriers in Communication
In a large
city, a well know actress was admitted under a fictitious name, it was assumed
she was anonymous, and no one knew she was there. As she was waking up from a nap one day, she
noticed a flash in her eyes, and realized a photographer had posed as a window
washer and was taking pictures through her hospital window. Many times tabloid reporters and
photographers will go to great lengths to obtain the story or the photo. One nurse that was caring for a political
figure thought she was being very careful, and respecting the privacy of her
patient, she had not mentioned them to anyone.
When she was leaving her shift, a man approached her in the hallway,
wearing a lab tech coat and carrying a clipboard. He asked, how is, and referred to the patient
by his real name. The nurse hesitated,
but the presumed lab technician was hospital personnel, as he said he forgot to
use the fake name, and the nurse responded.
The nurse assumed the lab tech was aware whom the patient was, and
shared information with him. As it
turned out, that lab tech was a tabloid reporter, who now had confirmation of
who the patient was, and from there the story developed. It's best to keep in mind some people will do
anything to secure a story.
Of
course, it's difficult to ignore a patient's fame and notoriety, just try to
think of them as any other patient, and continue to divide your time evenly
among all of your patients. Never share
the patient's name with anyone. It's best not even to tell family members. It
may slip out who is under your care, especially if children are involved. As a professional healthcare provider there
are laws and regulations to abide by, as well as a moral responsibility to do
what's in the best interest of your patient.
Allow the patient the privacy of any other patient admitted to a medical
facility.
Related: List of nursing organizations
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