Confidentiality and Nursing

I have actually removed 2 of my stories from my blog.   They weren't "bad" stories, and in fact were more on the informative side, positive stories from more than 20 years ago, but unfortunately, our professional body doesn't have much tolerance for anything that appears to be "breach of confidentiality" and thus I have withdrawn them, just in case. 


I had laundered them and then reposted after removing them the first time this past summer - but having looked over the "new" rules, I have come to the conclusion that an ounce of prevention..... 


So, you might notice the only two stories involving *actual* patients (besides myself, relatives, friends and random people out there on the street or neighborhood)are removed - the stories about Amniotic Embolism and the Vanishing Twin Syndrome - because although they had educational and informative value -  it may also fall into that grey area of confidentiality and the last thing I want to do is get in trouble with my Professional Body - even though I don't feel that I have given enough identifying elements and have changed the stories significantly - for my peace of mind, I have removed them.


I do know that our professional and licensing body does troll the blogs, and since a recent email was sent out informing all of the change in the Standards of Nursing practice as it relates to modern day technologies - I will comply. 


Here is in part, some of their Q&A about modern technology on their site:

One of my colleagues shares information about clients on Facebook. Is this okay if the clients’ names aren’t posted?

No. Even without using a name, other identifiers may make clients recognizable and therefore is not sufficient to protect their privacy.

I blog about work, including poor patient care, how nobody is doing anything, and that my facility is unsafe. I think this is part of my obligation as an RN. Am I right?

Describing frustrations about workplace issues on the internet is not the way to resolve them and may violate client confidentiality. If you are concerned about client safety, take action using the appropriate channels of communication within your agency, advocate within your role and participate in changes to improve client care.

A colleague took photos of a patient’s injuries with her cell phone so that she could share them with her nursing friends. Was that okay?

Taking and sharing photographs without a client’s consent is a breach of confidentiality.  Agencies increasingly use photography for professional consultation, research and education purposes. Know your agency’s policy regarding photography including any limitations on its use.