Whistle-Blowing in Nursing

According to Huston 2020, Whistle-Blowing is defined when a person

informs on another or makes public disclosure of corruption or wrongdoing.

(Huston, 2020). Specifically, whistleblowing can be described as internal and

external. Internal whistle blowing involves reporting concerns up the chain of

command within an organization in the hope that whatever the problem is, it can be

resolved. External whistleblowing involves reporting concerns outside the

organization, including places like the media. (Huston, 2020). Most times, when s a

person resorts to external whistleblowing, it is an effort to embarrass an

organization publicly.

In the article “Whistle Blowing can save lives”, it is explained how if nurses

do not take appropriate measures, they may expose themselves to prosecution.

When an unsafe situation happens, nurses should follow specific steps. These steps

include; document the violation, record all interactions pertaining to the

whistleblowing incident, stay objective by only chronicling the facts and not making

personal judgments, put the complaint in writing, and consult with your state

nurses association or legal counsel. If a nurse follows these steps when experiencing

whistleblowing situation, they will protect themselves and help to save lives

(“Whistle Blowing can save lives, 2020).

Huston, 2020, lists pros and cons to whistleblowing. Advantages to

whistleblowing include protecting patients, improving quality care, meeting

professional expectations and standards, satisfying ethical duties, bringing

problems out into the open, and providing validation of concerns and moral

rightness. (Huston, 2020). Even though it seems like there are many advantages to

“doing the ethical thing”, most professionals are torn between what they believe

they should do and what they actually do.

“When surveyed, over 99% of all nurses understood that reporting

unethical practices was part of their obligations as nurses. However,

less than 45% of surveyed nurses strongly believed they would have

the courage to do so” (Huston, 2020).

The question is, why? If so many people know they have the ethical duty to report

things, why do things get swept under the rug? As every situation has their cons,

whistleblowing may cause an individual to face repercussions for bringing attention

to misconduct. Some employees would rather ignore their mistakes in order to

avoid financial consequences and damage to their reputation. Some backlash nurses

have received form whistleblowing include; shunned or ostracized by coworkers,

considered disloyal to the company, fired by the employer, or sued by the employer

or accused offended (“Whistle Blowing can save lives, 2020). With the fear of losing

their jobs or losing friends, many professionals let mistakes slide.

In conclusion, whistleblowing is necessary when patients do not receive

quality and safe care. Even though it may not be easy, nurses have to obligation to

report things that are unjust. Some reasons for whistle blowing may include neglect,

abuse, unsafe conditions, or fraudulent billing. If a nurse follows the correct steps to

report unsafe conditions, they are helping to save lives.

 References:

Huston, C. (2020). Professional issue in nursing: Challenges and opportunities (5th ed.).
Chapter 16. Wolters Kluwer.

Whistleblowing can save lives in nursing - MC online. Mississippi College Online. (2020,
October 31). Retrieved January 25, 2022, from
https://online.mc.edu/degrees/nursing/rn-to-bsn/whistleblowing-can-save-lives-in-
nursing/