If a patient care technician observes unethical behavior in a coworker, to whom should it be reported?

Reporting unethical behavior observed in a coworker should be directed to the charge nurse. This is because the charge nurse is typically responsible for overseeing the operations of the nursing unit and handles any issues regarding staff conduct. By reporting the behavior to the charge nurse, the technician ensures that the matter is addressed appropriately and through the correct channels within the healthcare facility. This promotes accountability and helps maintain the integrity of patient care.

While there are other avenues for reporting unethical conduct, such as state regulatory agencies or law enforcement, these options are typically more appropriate for serious violations or criminal activity. Reporting to the coworker themselves might not resolve the issue and could lead to further conflict. Therefore, bringing the concern to the charge nurse is the most suitable first step in resolving the ethical breach within the workplace.