In: Nursing
I need a paragraph on this:
MY TOPIC: Nurses do not have the same right to free speech as non-nurses.
The nursing profession is a helping one.However,a desire to help by speaking on an issue of concern may result in a lawsuit.Many health care companies are creating policies, that limit their workers speech.Sometimes that speech is private between co- workers or friends,sometimes it becomes public,through protest,whistle blowing or social media.Workplace policies are becoming increasingly restrictive,though protecting our free speech rights- even our right to complain- should be fundamental.It is particularly vital in health care,since limiting a health care professionals right to speak up about unsafe conditions can have a detrimental impact not only on the worker,but on the patients and quality of services provided. It is important for workers to know the limits of their rights,and the extent to which their employers will search their personal social media accounts.Many employers continue to attempt limiting social media in an effort to censor postings they just don’t like.Nurses and health care workers know it is essential to protect the privacy rights of their patients in their communications,and to refrain from harmful or discriminatory speech.They don’t want to harm their employers- but they do want solutions to unsafe staffing levels,or unsafe working conditions. Instead of banning speech,hospitals should listen to their nurses and seek solutions to the problems they raise.