Can I lose my license for abandonment calling out until a hurricane passes?

Nurses General Nursing

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The title says it.

I know i will probably lose my job if irma gets bad here in north fl and i make the decision to stay with my child instead of my residents. But, whats the BON's stance as far as my license is concerned?

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

What does the website for your BON say? It may not be the BON you have to be concerned about, but your place of employment. That being said--does your state have an emergency plan for active nurses that requires nurses to be on duty or available during these storms? Stay safe!

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No but you'll likely lose your job and there's no telling what your employer might do in addition to firing you.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You can't abandon patients you have not accepted care for via getting report. There won't be anything to report to the board about.

However, you can be fired and lose your job and the reference it provides. Talk with your employer about your concerns re: your child and safety. This isn't their first rodeo.

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You can be fired by your employer if they want to say that you have abandoned your job, but you can't be charged with abandoning patients that you have not accepted responsibility for.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I would truly encourage you to speak with your employer about your child and your concerns, with a spin on it that you are wanting to fulfill your duty to the hospital and patients, but your child's safety is of utmost concern to you. Many to most employers in the path of a hurricane help their employees get these things worked out.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

You can't abandon people without having been with them. If you have nobody to care for your child and the facility doesn't have a plan (I've heard of some places allowing family of essential staff on premesis), I would think CPS would be a bigger concern. I hear they don't approve of abandoning children. :(

You would likely lose your job...although as a mom, if I have to choose between my children's safety or a job, that is a VERY easy decision. It isn't even a question.

However, there is nothing to lose by asking what the disaster plan is in regards to staff's vulnerable family members. I don't live on a coast, but we do get tornadoes. I remember being told at new employee orientation back in the 90s that the building was extremely strong; in fact all we had to do was move the residents into the hallways and close the doors to protect from flying glass. If they have a plan for children/elderly parents, AND if they can assure you that the building is safe, you may consider staying. If they say no, your child is your responsibility, then you'll know, and be able to say "you're right -- she is" and leave without regret.

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I am in the same situation, but I feel as I am being forced to work from today until Tuesday, because I scheduled today until 1130pm and sundayb7p to a 7a and Monday 7p to 7a, in was even told that sorry but you can't bring family , and I was asked to stay today until Saturday, please more info if I can loose my license if I don't go in on Sunday. And if I don't stay. Help!!!!!

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.
antonelah2113 said:
I am in the same situation, but I feel as I am being forced to work from today until Tuesday, because I scheduled today until 1130pm and sundayb7p to a 7a and Monday 7p to 7a, in was even told that sorry but you can't bring family , and I was asked to stay today until Saturday, please more info if I can loose my license if I don't go in on Sunday. And if I don't stay. Help!!!

It's "lose" not "loose" your license.

Did you read the other comments on this thread?

You can't abandon patients that you haven't taken responsibility for. If you hand off report on your patients at the end of your shift tonight, you're not abandoning any patients and your license is safe.

However, your job is another issue -- if you don't show up for a scheduled shift, that's on you, and you could very well lose your job.

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I am in a similar predicament. I am training for a brand new position. I made the very difficult decision to evacuate my family in the middle of the night Wednesday night because our house is already falling apart and not safe. We couldn't get into a shelter because of our animals and my new place of employment made it clear that they will NOT be sheltering any pets or family members. They aren't even sheltering employees if they are only working before and after the storm, they are only giving shelter to employees working during the storm. This put me in between a rock and a hard place. If I had stayed today and yesterday I would have used up all of my gas just to follow another nurse on her visits. Then I wouldn't have been able to get gas and evacuate until Saturday morning and by then I probably couldn't get gas anywhere. I "called in" with my supervisor and gave at least 12 hours notice before my shift was to start. I have been nauseous and having horrendous feelings of guilt over this. But I had to do it. Also, I felt like it wasn't a huge deal because I am in training and cannot do anything independently yet. Why would I risk my family's safety if I am not even caring for my own patient load yet. We as nurses always put others before ourselves and our families. This time, I had to choose to help my family. I pray they don't let me go.

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