Where should the UAP submit the harassment complaint initially?

• A. To the nurse
• B. To the supervisor
• C. To the hospital administrator
• D. To the police

Answer: (B)

Reporting harassment follows the workplace chain of command, starting with the immediate supervisor. The supervisor is in the best position to receive the complaint, document it, and begin a timely, formal investigation. They can also arrange interim protections to keep the UAP safe while the issue is addressed and coordinate with human resources or other appropriate departments as needed. Going to a coworker or to hospital administration right away can bypass the formal process and slow action. The nurse isn’t the formal intake point for harassment complaints, though they may offer support; the hospital administrator handles broader policy and systemic issues and is typically contacted if the supervisor can’t resolve the concern or if it involves higher-level policies. Police involvement is reserved for criminal harassment or imminent danger; internal reporting should come first for non-criminal concerns.