What action should you take, and why?
You are working with a nursing colleague who seems to be continually falling asleep while looking after patients in the anaesthetic room prior to surgery. When you ask her if she is unwell, she tells you she has recently been diagnosed with narcolepsy and begs you not to tell anyone.
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
You have a mandatory duty to report health professionals if they place the public at risk of substantial harm during the course of their practice because they have an impairment. Clearly, your colleague falls into this category and there is a serious risk of harm to patients because of her medical condition. You must inform your colleague that you have an obligation to report her to AHPRA under the National Law in Australia, or under the Fitness to Practice provisions of the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Prior to this action you can suggest that she informs the nurse manager of her diagnosis and seeks professional assistance for her condition. Additionally, she could self-report to the relevant regulatory authority. If she declines to act on your suggestion, you are left with no option but to report her.
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