patient's making false allegation

Nurses General Nursing

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I am an RN Supervisor in a LTC facility. I was suspended today for 3 days d/t a resident making a false allegation of abuse against me. The resident claims that I was "rough" with her while repositioning her in bed. I find it troubling that I am being singled out when there was a wound doctor and a cna that assited me in turning the resident on her side with the use of a draw sheet. There is no evidence of injury to support the patient's claim. I was reassured by my D.O.N that the investigation would probably lead to nothing but of course I am worried about my job and license. I have NSO Professional . Should I contact NSO and file an incident report? Should I look for an attorney? Would appreciate any advice I can get. Thanx.

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As a minimum, I would call NSO and give them a heads up. They will tell you whether you need to get an attorney at this point. Good luck. (BTW, I would insist with the DON, that you are not to go near this person again, or, as a minimum, don't go near her without a witness, or three).

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I have no legal advice. Just wanted to offer support in an awful situation.

I find it upsetting when the person you're breaking your back for, complains about the care.

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Contact your . They can advise you.

I am sorry this is happening to you.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

I'm sorry you are going through this and have been suspended when there is no evidence to suggest the complaint is founded in fact.

On a side note, I bet you weren't suspended with pay like a police officer would be when his/her actions are questioned.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I had a similar thing happen to me in LTC. It was an impossible scenario described by the resident... As in, I wasn't working the day she stated this occurred on. The allegation was made when state was visiting.

Despite being repeatedly told and assured that they KNEW I was innocent, I was suspended without pay pending investigation. Four other employees were mentioned/suspended as well. I had good documentation on my side, this patient had multiple psych issues and was known for making false allegations.

It still stung that even when the investigation was over and we were all back at work, they switched my assignment so that I was no longer taking care of this person. I missed my other residents and felt very bitter about it all. For weeks this resident would call out and yell, "where is Karou? I want Karou!".

OP I am sorry this is happening to you. Administration has to investigate any allegation, that is their responsibility. I hope that your witnesses back you up and you are cleared.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

I agree with caliotter3. There are plenty of times where I work that the doc will ask me and another nurse to witness and document a conversation with a known drug seeker or a violent patient. If I feel that a patient is being appropriate, I will definitely ask another nurse to witness whenever I have any interaction with certain patients (usually anyone who writes everything you are doing or who expects particularly special treatment).

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Definitely call your carrier and seek their advice. Just because the DON said that the investigation "will probably lead to nothing" doesn't mean it is guaranteed to turn out that way. Anything can happen, and you need to protect yourself and your license. I would also request not to be assigned this patient and definitely would not have any interaction with them without witnesses present.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I just wanted to say that when I worked in LTC, every abuse allegation was met with a temporary suspension while it was investigated. Once it was determined the patient was mistaken (which was usually the case, although not always), the suspension became paid and the person was re-instated. Happened fairly often due to the confusion of the patients, and their perception.

It was always a CYA move.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you, I really hope it gets resolved soon.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Any abuse allegation, false or not, requires investigation. Generally the accused is suspended during the investigation and pay for the missed days issued when the investigation is complete as long as the allegations are proved unfounded. However, I have seen cases that still result in termination even when the accused is found to be not at fault. Just to CYA, as long as you have I would certainly contact them to see how you should proceed.

Sorry you are going through this, it must be all kinds of stressful!

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Update: So I was brought back in today and told I was cleared of all allegations.

I was fired anyway d/t sub-standard work performance. Turns out that the day before my suspension, an m.d. had come in, wrote a bunch of orders and left. The lvn that day did not f/t with the orders. Nor did the RNs or lvns for the next 5 shifts. But I'm the one that got canned. I find it awfully funny that out of 4 RNs and 7 lvns, I was the only one fired. Allegedly bc it put "patients health in immediate jeapordy."

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Sorry to hear that this happened to you although I am not at all surprised.

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