ASK A QUESTION
Ask a question. In other words, offer a cross check.
REQUEST A CHANGE
If that does not work, request a change. Offer another alternative.
VOICE CONCERN
Still no response? Voice a concern. Say “I have a safety concern…”
CHAIN OF COMMAND
If no success, escalate up your chain of command.
In the following example, a nurse speaks up for safety using ARCC when a physician walks into an isolation room without protective barriers:
- Ask: Dr. Jones, are we supposed to put on a gown and gloves when entering an isolation room? (Dr. Jones says he is not going to touch anything.)
- Request: Dr. Jones, could you please put on a gown and gloves as per isolation precautions? (Dr. Jones says he does not have time.)
- Voice a Concern: Dr. Jones, I have a SAFETY CONCERN about our patient and other staff members – we use barriers to prevent the spread of infections. (Dr. Jones goes on in.)
- Chain of Command: Dr. Jones, I am not comfortable with this, I need to speak with my supervisor.