patient advocacy

dosamigos76, RN · Jul 15, 2003

Welcome to the board! I wish I had words of wisdom other than document, document, and then document some more. I'd be careful staying at a place like that though. It doesn't sound like the clients are the priority and it sure puts you at risk.

Good luck,

Cheryl

MelRN13 · Jul 15, 2003

I totally agree with dosamigos. Complete incident reports and document! If your problems aren't resolved with your DON, I would consider finding a different job. Obviously, patient care is not a priority at this facility.

live4today, RN · Jul 15, 2003

Ditto to the above comments. I would also add that you could call the Board of Nursing and report them for the patient negligence and how it could possibly reflect poorly on the type of care being given to the patients by that person. I did this once when I worked in a nursing home, and they sent someone to investigate.

I would have also called that patient's doctor and told him/her about my findings. When you know you are right in regards to what you assess on a patient, and it is not being addressed, fight for that patient who can't obviously fight for themself until someone takes notice.

Let us know how your DON handles it when she returns. :nurse:

ainz · Jul 16, 2003

kidluvinRN--this is a great topic. Standing up for what is right is why nursing remains one of the most trusted, if not the most trusted, professions by the American public.

I concur with the above--document, document, document, but do it objectively without interjecting an accusatory tone. And please let us know how the DON handles this.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2003

I was going to say document, document, document but that's been said. Be sure to write that you've communicated to the higher ups and what the response was. Good luck and welcome!

angelbear · Jul 16, 2003

Tweety beat me to it but that is what I was going to say. Whenever I have a concern about one of my res be it health or safety related I notify the powers that be via voice mail and then I document that to. Like: Resident found numerous times attempting to climb out of bed repositioned and reminded to use call bell. So and so informed per voice mail. Hope that helps unfortunately it is a matter of covering you hinney.

jenac · Jul 16, 2003

Here's what you do- next time yo encounter this-DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT,DOCUMENT. "Post-surgical incision to right hip open with scant serous drng, sl. erythema surrounding. Odor? Resident c/o pain to site. Temp?" Than call the Dr. yourself for a tx order. It's hard to undue another nurses documentation and order. Don't wait-do it yourself. And every time you see the wound-document it, regardless of what anyone sees. CYA-always. Good luck.

pickledpepperRN · Jul 16, 2003

Absolutely document.

Chart what you see & smell, who you notified, and a direct quote of what they said.

I once charted, Dr. *** notified. Then wrote "Lets wait until Monday." as a doctors order. I then called and told him so. In 20 minutes he was at the bedside examining the patient and doing the right thing.

Incident report? Absolutely! Also write who you told and what time on a separate paper. Give one to the DON keep a copy.

I believe the Oregon Health Department is supportive of patient advocacy so along with the nursing board I would report to them. A telephone call first but send a letter and keep a copy. HIPPA does not apply when reporting to a regulatory agency.

Good for you!

The profession and our patients need us to remain advocates.

live4today, RN · Jul 16, 2003

Originally posted by spacenurse
Absolutely document.
Chart what you see & smell, who you notified, and a direct quote of what they said.
I once charted, Dr. *** notified. Then wrote "Lets wait until Monday." as a doctors order. I then called and told him so. In 20 minutes he was at the bedside examining the patient and doing the right thing.

:chuckle :roll :chuckle :roll You go girl! I like your style! :chuckle

kidluvinRN · Jul 16, 2003

Hey thanks all for your replies! I do try to document as best I can to cover my butt, but sometimes my butt seems to big!!! I had never considered documenting the "wait and see" as an order, great idea spacenurse!!!! I have three years of practice under my belt, but am still learning every day!

I have been considering looking for a new position due to this issue, and its sad because it comes down to this one care manager. Our other care manager is great, there are no ongoing issues with her load of patients because things get dealt on!!

I did talk with my supervisor about all this, and she agreed with my concern but wouldn't touch it and told me to talk to the DON, the care managers supervisor. I plan to do it as soon as I can. In the meantime I'll keep fighting the good fight and wearing my fingers out with documentation!

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Jul 16, 2003

Originally posted by kidluvinRN
I have been considering looking for a new position due to this issue

If your standards are higher than the standards accepted by your employer....it may be time to look for a new one.

Just know that you are doing the right thing...for the patients....for the nursing profession....and for your employer, whether they know it or not!:) Keep up the good work!