What should a nurse do if they suspect a coworker is violating laws or patient safety?

• A. Document the concern in a private note and discuss only with the coworker
• B. Inform the patient and family to pressure the coworker to change behavior
• C. Report through the proper channels (supervisor, risk management, or Board complaint process) in accordance with policy and law
• D. Ignore unless the violation directly harms the nurse

Answer: (C)

When a nurse suspects a coworker is engaging in unsafe or illegal practice, the priority is to protect patients by ensuring the concern is reviewed and acted upon through the proper channels. Reporting through the established pathways—your supervisor, risk management, or the Board complaint process—aligns with both policy and the law, and it triggers the appropriate investigations and corrective actions. This approach also protects you by providing a formal, documented route and reduces the risk of harm from informal handling.

Private notes or discussing the concern only with the coworker may not prompt the necessary oversight or corrective measures and can allow unsafe practices to continue. Trying to pressure patients or families is inappropriate and outside the proper scope of professional accountability. Ignoring the issue is unsafe and contrary to patient safety and professional obligations. Following the formal reporting channels ensures timely, proper action to safeguard patients and uphold standards of nursing practice.