Public Health Called Me At Home

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I'm kind of panicking right now. I work 12 hour night shifts at a LTC facility. I worked last night and this afternoon I had a voicemail from the department of public health stating that they are currently at my work place and to call them back. My shift ends at 7a and they called me a little after noon.

I have no idea what this could be about, but I'm scared that I may be in trouble because why else would they call me at home? Has anyone had public health call them? What would they even call about? I'm assuming they handle stuff like infection control. I know they do a lot in regards to the kitchen/food service, but what do they when it comes to the nursing staff?

A few weeks ago I had to report a nurse for stealing narcotics who ultimately got fired. When I talked with the administrator she did mention that this was a health code violation. Could this possibly be about that? I would assume they would have contacted me much sooner if it was.

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Honestly your post seems cazy......but I can see myself reacting exactly as you posted. You need to stop being so irrational, don't be like brownbook used to be! I wish I could give you brilliant words of wisdom so you wouldn't be so panicked! Take a deep breath, somewhere inside you find a way to face a scenario that maybe has the tiniest possibility of being something bad, and call them.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Call them back and finds out! (You could have done this in the time it took you to post this.)

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When they knock on the door and you answer it is the time to panic.

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I've had a similar thing happen to me. Its been a while so I don't remember the exact details. I reported missing narcotics and it was reported to the state. Someone from the department of health did call me at home for more information. I only work part time so it was easier for the call than having me go into work.

Did you call back??

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Specializes in kids.

Maybe they are reviewing TB screens or there is outbreak of scabies or something? Please keep us posted.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

I have been involved with investigations of all kinds by a number of different agencies (Board of Nursing, Health Division, federal court, you name it). My experience has been that the investigator normally just wants information from me. If someone has filed a complaint or legal action, I must be notified of it in writing in order to give me time to prepare a response.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

If the DPH is in your building doing an investigation and they want to talk to you....you talk to them. If you're not in the building they will often call you at home so you don't have to come in. Happens all the time.

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Specializes in kids.

OP What happened??

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