Nurse abuses own child

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in OR.

I have not seen any forums related to this and seem to still have more questions than solid answers, so I post this for all of you woderful people to read and comment on. I am hoping to get some type of clarification for knowledge sake. For an example, I will use this senario- An RN who has a child. This said child one day decided to report to someone that the mom(RN) has been abusing and sexually inapproriatly touching this child for years. This child decided to place themself in a potentially dangerous situation than to continue to take the abuse...like jumping out of a moving car to get away from being punched in the face...). Child is taken to ER at the facility where mom(RN) works but not in the ER, child requires many stitches and after police are called by ER staff, goes to foster care protection. Situation then changes to child going to live with dad and dad being awarded custody of child. Mom(RN) then decides to refuse to let child have any of their clothes, music, books, bike...etc and continues to verbally place threatening limits on child (ie. example- I wouldn't keep all your stuff away from you if you hadn't...fill in the blank, it's all your fault anyway). So now, child is away from mom(RN) and tells dad about him waking up in the middle of the night with mom(RN) laying in twin bed with her hand in child's pants caressing privates. Child also stated that mom(RN) used to always give kisses that resulted in dark red hickys on child. So, if you were listening to this story...what would your thoughts be and what actions would you try to do? Keep in mind this mom is an RN and is in a position of teaching nursing students. Thanks so much for any input.:cry::nono::confused::eek:

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

So...let me get this straight. The Mom is an RN?

Just kidding.

It sounds like the ball is in Dad's court. Dad should report allegations of abuse to the authorities.

what actions would you try to do? Keep in mind this mom is an RN and is in a position of teaching nursing students. Thanks so much for any input.:cry::nono::confused::eek:

What actions would you try to do? What connection do you have with this Mom.? I don't care whether she is an RN or not what she is doing is wrong and she needs to go to jail and loose her Nursing license

I would encourage dad and child to go to authorities. I would encourage child to ONLY have contact with mom (if at all) with adult supervision the ENTIRE time. I would put the child in counseling immediately!

Thanks.

Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.

I'm confused. If the child went to fostercare and custody was changed to the father, the authorities are already involved. How did the mother stay out of prison?

Specializes in OR.

yeah, I would like to know this myself. Apparently dfcs was involved but I dont know if they reported her to the nursing boards.

Specializes in DOU.

Maybe there is some question as to the truthfulness of the child.

Anyway, I don't see why dad doesn't just replace all the stuff the kid left behind. A bunch of "stuff" isn't worth engaging over, IMO.

Do you work with this person Marvie?

Abusive parents come in all shapes, sizes, and careers. I hope this child gets counselling and support. Mom should feel the full extent of law. I hope Dad gets some help too. Guilt and shame go hand in hand in this type of situation. Let's pray the future for this child and Dad is a positive future.

yeah, I would like to know this myself. Apparently dfcs was involved but I dont know if they reported her to the nursing boards.

I think you need to mind your own business. This is not your place to be judging someone or thinking you need to do something too.

There are probably things about this case you don't know. How old is this "child"? There could be mental illness involved - child included. Some children know what to say to manipulate the system.

The authorities are involved if custody was foster care - then the father's custody.....they know how to handle things like this - you have no role here.

I have not seen any forums related to this and seem to still have more questions than solid answers, so I post this for all of you woderful people to read and comment on. I am hoping to get some type of clarification for knowledge sake. For an example, I will use this senario- An RN who has a child. This said child one day decided to report to someone that the mom(RN) has been abusing and sexually inapproriatly touching this child for years. This child decided to place themself in a potentially dangerous situation than to continue to take the abuse...like jumping out of a moving car to get away from being punched in the face...). Child is taken to ER at the facility where mom(RN) works but not in the ER, child requires many stitches and after police are called by ER staff, goes to foster care protection. Situation then changes to child going to live with dad and dad being awarded custody of child. Mom(RN) then decides to refuse to let child have any of their clothes, music, books, bike...etc and continues to verbally place threatening limits on child (ie. example- I wouldn't keep all your stuff away from you if you hadn't...fill in the blank, it's all your fault anyway). So now, child is away from mom(RN) and tells dad about him waking up in the middle of the night with mom(RN) laying in twin bed with her hand in child's pants caressing privates. Child also stated that mom(RN) used to always give kisses that resulted in dark red hickys on child. So, if you were listening to this story...what would your thoughts be and what actions would you try to do? Keep in mind this mom is an RN and is in a position of teaching nursing students. Thanks so much for any input.:cry::nono::confused::eek:

Why is the idea that the person in your scenario is an RN relevant? Your information suggests you're in Oregon; nurses who suspect child abuse in Oregon are required by law to call the police or notify a child welfare agency. It doesn't matter who the suspected perpetrator is. So in listening to this story, I would do what the law already requires me to do.

I think you need to mind your own business. This is not your place to be judging someone or thinking you need to do something too.

There are probably things about this case you don't know. How old is this "child"? There could be mental illness involved - child included. Some children know what to say to manipulate the system.

The authorities are involved if custody was foster care - then the father's custody.....they know how to handle things like this - you have no role here.

I agree -- MYOB. The allegations of abuse were appropriately reported, the authorities are involved, and they will pursue whatever legal action is indicated after the situation has been thoroughly investigated.

Involving yourself in the personal business of others is the kind of activity that will often come back to bite you. Imagine, just for the sake of discussion, that you involve yourself in this, create difficulties for this woman with the BON and her employment, and the allegations of abuse turn out to be unsubstantiated and the woman is eventually exonerated -- you could easily end up on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

Most of us have more than enough to worry about in our own lives, without getting worked up over others' personal affairs ...

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