Is it possible with HIPPA regulations, and other in-office politics to maintain a professional position as your primary care/family physician's nurse? I personally do not approve of working for my family physician, as I see it as a conflict of interest. I have worked with someone who chose this situation, and many in the department felt she was too well "protected" by the physician she worked for. If she wanted a day off, he'd write her an excuse, if she was in a family mamber's chart it was ok (despite HIPPA), because she was workking for that provider...I just wonder what others think of this particular situation, or how it has been handled in their experiences.

At the time there were about 12 practioners for Family Practice. We have since expanded to serve other satellites in the community, but regardless of the size of the place, I think it's an improper practice and should be strictly discouraged. Of course, that's just my personal opinion, and you know what they say about opinions!

I don't the harm in a little extra help to employees, perks of the job so to speak. Whenever my sister's kids get sick, she could spend several hundred dollars at the G.P, but because she does such a good job running the ER reception as well as organising the nurse roster, the doctor roster plus many other things, they don't mind if she brings the kids to the ER to be seen. I am a firm believer in fringe benefits. We don't get much else out of the job sometimes.

I don't know about looking at charts, it's a bit of a sticky area if you're on the outside looking in I don't want to comment on that, but I can't say it's a good thing.

When I worked in corrections, my husband and I became patients of the physician who I worked for (he had a contract for medical services at the jail, but was also an area GP/general surgeon). It was convienient: I never had to wait for an appointment when my husband or I got sick, and he gave us a break on costs. He was a good doctor, and was the one who figured out my headaches were not a sinus infection (as I'd been told) but migraines. Since I didn't work in his main office, but at the jail, there was never any issue with charts. However, I can see that would be a concern. However, that is true for any nurse, any where.

Some nurses are tempted to look in the charts of people they are related to or know when those people are admitted to the hospital where that nurse works. That is indeed a conflict of interest and a HIPPA violation. The local hospital where I teach clinic (and where I used to work in the ED) has very strict policies regarding charts. You are not even allowed to look in your own chart (all charts are computerized) when you are at work (tho of course, you can get a copy at Medical Records just like anyone else).

I can understand what you are saying. I worked in a seven group practice and saw very similiar things happening. All I can tell you is that eventually her time will come. When I left the 2 nurses doing the same thing you described ended up leaving the practice. It took about 8 years or less for each of them. It boils down to ethics and morals. Maybe leaving articles about these very things out for this person might give her some food for thought. Office politics are very difficult and in this particular practice it cost me my job. I just didnt feel the loss, I was ready to move on. Its a small rural hospital with hospital based clinics. In the long run I moved on to better things, she may not ever get the understanding that what she is doing is not ok. It might help to talk with a patient advocate. They can be a great resource. Hang in, pray and give your self time, change is never ease.

can everyone answer me? can i become the critical care nurse and perioperative nurse at the same time?