Moral of the story: Never give IM injections?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

So, I'm a little terrified, and would like to vent a little, and maybe get some advice. I was told Friday by a coworker that myself and two other nurses had been accused of assaulting a resident. This poor little woman had breast cancer with mets to the brain plus dementia and she had gone absolutely crazy one night. She was fully ambulatory, so she was going in people's rooms, yelling at the top of her lungs, and wobbling on her feet, so I called the oncall for an IM injection, because she wouldn't take her p.o. Ativan. From what I remember, (this being 2 weeks ago) the nurse supervisor and another nurse held her hands so that she wouldn't jerk and cause me to accidentally stab someone else. Apparently one of the cnas told the higher ups that we held her down, which is not true. I'm scared to death. This is the only job I've ever had as a nurse. If I get fired for abuse, who is going to hire me after that? I'm also a little irritated because I really don't understand why this cna turned us in. If she thought we were hurting her, I would completely get it, but we weren't. I haven't had my meeting with the big wigs yet, but I've been nauseous all weekend. Honestly how can I deal with out of control patients when reassurance doesn't work, and they won't take their p.o. prn meds?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

This is not abusive from what is posted here and is a form of chemical restraint She is confused, agitated and endangering the other patients. You should have no fears

I agree with Esme. It's not abuse.

Maybe that CNA has good intentions, and was worried about the patient, but most likely they don't. Call your ASAP. Good luck with this nonsense. From what you describe I see no abuse.

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

there is no indication in yuor post that anyone from admin has contacted you about this

only, "I was told Friday by a coworker..."

For all i know your letting the scutlebutt get the best of you.

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

the supervisor was present, so this would be the first person to answer about the event

i doubt anything will trickle down to you, but you need peace, so perhaps you can talk to

the supervisor

Oops. I actually was contacted by the DON earlier that day. I work nights though, so I didn't get the voicemail until 5 pm, after she had left. The supervisor I was talking about was the coworker that told me. She's a fellow LPN who is acting as our nursing supervisor because the higher ups can't currently find an RN to fill the position. The administrator and DON had a meeting with her, and she assumed that they had one with me as well. I know that you're all probably right, but it's very unnerving to hear you might be being investigated about anything.

Also, I don't have . Is this something most nurses get? As I said, I'm new. I'm 25 and I've been a nurse for a year and a half.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

ALL NURSES SHOULD CARRY !!!!

Get some tomorrow.

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

We use topical lorazepam.It works well enough in a situation like you described.Find out if your pharmacy will compound it for you.

We use topical lorazepam.It works well enough in a situation like you described.Find out if your pharmacy will compound it for you.

Really. Learn something new every day. Going back to LTC soon, I must ask about that. Sounds awesome.

If she was a threat to self or others, verbal redirection was ineffective, altering the environment did not work and redirection did not work you are with in your means to use a medication. Just be aware of physical holds can be considered restraints per CMS guidelines. Anything that prevents free movement is a restraint. Also, be aware that the Ativan you gave could disinhibit and make more prone to falls or inappropriate behavior. Take a deep breath, write down what happened as if you were charting for when you have a meeting for reference, and for your own protection get insurance!

Specializes in Long term care.

Who did you accidentally stab? Another resident or staff?

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