WIBTA if I reported a girl at my work for playing nurse?

Step into a cozy eye doctor’s office, where the hum of appointment chatter meets an unexpected twist. The OP, a receptionist in a tight-knit team, watches as her coworker Anna transforms into an impromptu “nurse” during patient sessions, dishing out mental health advice like she’s got a medical degree. When a patient’s vulnerability meets Anna’s unfiltered med talk, the OP’s alarm bells ring. Should she report Anna and risk office drama, or stay silent? This dilemma crackles with tension, pulling us into a story of boundaries and bold moves.

The scene plays out in a quiet training room, where Anna’s well-meaning but reckless words hang heavy. With only seven staffers, every action ripples, and the OP’s choice could shift the office’s delicate balance. This tale of professionalism and tough calls hooks us with its raw Stakes, urging us to dive into the Reddit post that sparked the debate.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘WIBTA if I reported a girl at my work for playing nurse?’

I work in a very small office. We only have 7 employees. 4 doctors and 3 receptionists at an eye doctor. We do contact lens training sessions for first time wearers and when, we’ll call her Anna, does the training she turns into Ms. nurse.

She discusses medications and mental illness with people when she’s not a trained professional. I’m sorry she got 1/3 of the wag through nursing school so that counts for her. We had a patient come in the other day and who was clearly going through some stuff.

She kept telling Anna how she was depressed and had adhd and discussed meds she was in and Anna told her what meds that she was on for her issues and told the patient to ask her doctor about them. I kept looking at her from around the corner shaking my head ‘no’ because I thought it was inappropriate.

ADVERTISEMENT

She does this all the time. WIBTA if I let my boss know? She might know it was me. I don’t want to start s**t. I don’t know guys. Any advice is welcome. edit: more info, she giving out MEDICAL advice unrelated to our jobs at the eye doctor.

She’s not telling the doctor about it because we don’t deal with mental health. She’s telling people what meds to take and how to take them. For example: she takes an antidepressant and another mood stabilizer Monday -Friday but doesn’t take it on weekends because she doesn’t think she needs it on those days

If that’s the way she wants to take it fine, but I’m sure you’re supposed to take it how the doctor prescribes. Edit 2: rip my inbox. Good god reddit seems to be pretty split about this. I’m going to go to my employer tomorrow. I’m not trying to be petty, I like this girl a lot and this isn’t the first time she’s done this.

ADVERTISEMENT

I’ve even told her she shouldn’t discuss those types of things with patients and a lot of times when she’s acting flustered, scattered or snappy with clients (or me) she tells me every person she’s not on her meds that day. Edit 3: yes she is talking about her personal experience but she is also giving medical advice.

I have no problem with her talking about her struggles and mental issues. It’s that she is giving out medical advice. She writing down names of meds and telling people how to take them. We’re not an mental health clinic, we’re an eye doctor. She’s not a nurse and didn’t finish nursing school, and she’s not a licensed optician.. Also for those sending me DMs of what a jealous b**ch I am, how?

When a receptionist starts playing doctor, the line between helpful and harmful blurs fast. Anna’s habit of sharing mental health med advice, despite her unfinished nursing school stint, puts patients at risk and the OP in a tough spot. Her actions, from suggesting meds to detailing her own dosing habits, overstep her role, creating liability for the practice. The OP’s hesitation to report reflects a common workplace fear: rocking the boat.

ADVERTISEMENT

This issue ties into a larger problem: unqualified medical advice. A 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation study found 1 in 5 Americans rely on non-professionals for health advice, often with risky outcomes. Anna’s familial approach, while empathetic, ignores the legal and ethical boundaries of her job. The doctors, unaware of her chats, face potential malpractice risks.

Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert, stated in a Washington Post article, “Only licensed professionals should provide medical advice to avoid harm.” Anna’s behavior, though well-intentioned, violates this principle. The OP’s concern is justified, as unchecked advice could escalate.

The OP should document specific incidents and report them to the practice manager, citing patient safety. The office could benefit from clear protocols, as outlined by the American Medical Association, to limit non-professional advice.

ADVERTISEMENT

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

The Reddit squad dove into this one like it’s a heated office potluck, tossing out cheers, jeers, and everything in between. Imagine a break room where everyone’s got a take and no one’s holding back. Here’s the raw scoop from the crowd:

mojo4394 − NTA. You're in a medical office and someone who isn't a trained medical professional is offering medical advice. That's extremely inappropriate and potentially illegal. I would say you would be the AH if you DIDN'T say anything. Your coworker needs to stop this behavior immediately.

throwdowntown69 − NTA.. If she does a wrong analysis that could impact the business and ultimately your income.. Also she does that on behalf of the doctors - take it to them since they are liable.

ADVERTISEMENT

andromache97 − INFO: What is Anna telling these people other than 'talk to your doctor about your issues'? Because I don't see a problem with that.

Stup2plending − NTA the doctors need to know as if she gives incorrect or dangerous advice they and their licenses are on the line

SLNGNRXS − EDIT: NTA - medical advice was being given, definitely NTA YTA. Based on your post, she is offering personal perspective and sharing her experiences with the patient, and not “playing nurse” unless she is trying to give actual medical advice.

ADVERTISEMENT

Props to Anna for discussing a sensitive topic and referring to the doctor. Any person acting in good faith of the patient would suggest they see or talk to their doctor regarding their issues. If she is giving actual medical advice and saying “do this” then she is the A**hole and not you

LittlePocketMonster − NTA she could end up getting somone seriously ill or hurt

ohdeargodnotthisguy − YWBTA if you DIDN'T report her. This is beyond inappropriate and is f**king dangerous.

ADVERTISEMENT

kit_throwaway − INFO does she talk to patients about anything other than mental healthcare and her own experiences? If she's just talking about her own struggles and recommending they talk to a doctor you really need to let it go, because she's not doing much more than a commercial on TV. If she's saying 'No, that mole doesn't look like cancer, don't bother with the dermatologist,' then you say something.

mykittyhitsme − NTA. I'm an RN and this makes me sooooo angry. This girl could kill someone. She doesn't know s**t. And she's so clueless, she doesn't even know that she doesn't know s**t. That's why this is so infuriating and terrifying.

jujujabjab − Why is anyone going to an eye doctor for mental health advice in the first place

ADVERTISEMENT

Redditors split down the middle, some blasting Anna’s dangerous overreach, others defending her empathy. From cries of “report her!” to accusations of jealousy, the debate’s a lively mess. But do these hot takes nail the issue, or just stir the pot?

The OP’s story is a tightrope walk between loyalty, ethics, and patient safety, showing how one coworker’s misstep can shake a small office. Anna’s well-meaning but reckless advice raises red flags, and the OP’s next move could redefine trust among colleagues. What would you do if you caught a coworker crossing professional lines? Share your thoughts—how do you balance workplace harmony with doing what’s right?

Share this post

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *