Iv'e not diared before but feel compelled to do so. I burst into tears yesterday upon hearing of the apparent suicide of the nurse involved in the Australian phone prank. I have been a RN for 30 years and I am we'll acquainted with the difficulties ensuring privacy for my patients. I have had neighbors, acquaintances, even strangers try to manipulate information from me regarding patients in my care and those are just normal everyday people. I can imagine being blinded by the thought one is actually conversing with the Queen might cause one's defenses to lapse.
I also think about the way the media has probably hounded that poor woman the last few days and others who have no experience with these issues were quick to blame. I am also fully aware how ruthless other nurses can be to each other. We have a reputation for "eating our own" that is, unfortunately true in many instances.
I therefore call upon all you nurses out there to have empathy and kindness for each other. Support each other when mistakes are made. I know we like to think we are perfect, but that is hardly the case.