When a practical nurse suspects a colleague has falsified credentials, what should she do?

When a practical nurse suspects a colleague has falsified credentials, what should she do?

• A. Report her suspicion to the provincial registration body.
• B. Talk with the colleague and ask to see her registration.
• C. Report her suspicion, with rationale, to the nurse manager.
• D. Intervene to stop the colleague from performing nursing care.

Answer: (B)

Verifying credentials directly with the colleague is the appropriate first step. When you suspect someone’s credentials may be falsified, the responsible approach is to seek factual confirmation before taking further action. Asking to see the registration gives the colleague a chance to provide proof and helps you verify whether your concern is based on a real discrepancy or a misunderstanding. This preserves professional courtesy, ensures due process, and keeps patient safety at the forefront by avoiding premature or unfounded accusations. If verification raises concerns or is impossible to resolve, follow your workplace policy to escalate through the nurse manager and, if required, involve the regulatory body. It’s important not to interrupt care or confront the colleague in a way that could endanger patients or create liability before you have checked facts.

Verifying credentials directly with the colleague is the appropriate first step. When you suspect someone’s credentials may be falsified, the responsible approach is to seek factual confirmation before taking further action. Asking to see the registration gives the colleague a chance to provide proof and helps you verify whether your concern is based on a real discrepancy or a misunderstanding. This preserves professional courtesy, ensures due process, and keeps patient safety at the forefront by avoiding premature or unfounded accusations.

If verification raises concerns or is impossible to resolve, follow your workplace policy to escalate through the nurse manager and, if required, involve the regulatory body. It’s important not to interrupt care or confront the colleague in a way that could endanger patients or create liability before you have checked facts.