A nurse on the unit notices that a co-worker exhibits a pattern ...

[tatyanajohnson]

A nurse on the unit notices that a co-worker exhibits a pattern of behavior suggestive of drug abuse. The nurse should:
 
  1. Report the situation to the unit charge nurse.
  2. Send an anonymous letter to the director of nursing.
  3. Let other co-workers know about the situation.
  4. Report the situation, then let management take care of it.

Question 2

A nurse's co-worker makes a practice of telling offensive jokes or stories with a sexual undertone during the shift. The initial action of the nurse is to:
 
  1. Ignore the co-worker and walk away.
  2. Report the incident to the nurse manager.
  3. Tell the co-worker to stop the activity because the conduct is offensive.
  4. Ask to be scheduled opposite this co-worker.

[parshano]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: As a mandatory reporter, the nurse is required to report situations where co-workers are suspected of impairment, which includes alcohol/drug abuse as well as mental illness. The nurse should report the matter starting at the lowest possible level in the agency hierarchy. In this case, the charge nurse would be appropriate.
Rationale 2: The nurse shouldtake responsibility for the report by being open about it, not making an anonymous report to the higher level of management.
Rationale 3: The nurse should also obtain support from at least one other trustworthy person before filing the report. This doesn't mean telling the whole unit, which could be detrimental to both the nurse reporting the incident and the co-worker.
Rationale 4: After the report is made, the nurse should see the problem through, not assume that management will take care of the situation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Ignoring the situation is not addressing the situation in an assertive manner.
Rationale 2: Reporting the incident to the nurse manager would be an appropriate second step if the behavior doesn't stop after the nurse's approach.
Rationale 3: Nurses must develop skills of assertiveness to deter sexual harassment in the workplace. Telling the co-worker to stop and why, is the first step in putting an end to the situation.
Rationale 4: Asking to be scheduled opposite this person is not addressing the situation in an assertive manner.