What happens when you fill out an incident report?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Aug 8, 2015

I always am sure that the opposite rail is up...so that the patient can use it to grab, or the other CNA doesn't take the full weight of a person on.

Were there 2 of you? Or were you attempting to do this on your own? It would be a good reason to advocate for 2 CNA's for each total care person who is bed bound.

I would be sure that if your back hurts, you see employee health. It can be (and this is not legal advice, just a thought) a workman's comp situation as you were hurt on the job. And they should have record of that, as back pain can become messy quickly.

This is, in my opinion, a process issue gone awry. There should be adequate training in how to make an occupied bed with one person (and quite frankly, near impossible if the patient in the bed is total care, bed bound, and can't help roll themselves to one side, or hold onto the rail to do with one person).

If this is a matter of you rushing and forgetting to put up the opposite rail, then yes, it is an error, and your facility policy will determine if you would lose your job over it or not.

If you are union, speak to your delegate. If you have malpractice insurance, (and they DO have malpractice for CNA's) call them and speak with them about it. If you don't have insurance, and you remain on your job GET IT!

Hope this all works out for you. The only thing you can do is learn from it and move on. But do NOT let the facilities lack of adequate coverage, another CNA's failure to assist, or if assisting failure to put up a rail reflect on you. So calmly, without emotion, recall every detail about how this happened.

Let us know how it goes.

Bellaxx392 · Aug 8, 2015

Our facility doesn't use any restraints and they classify bed rails as restraints. I just feel stupid because I rolled the resident on their weekside and then moved to the other side of the bed. I don't work for a union.. Fingers crossed though that I don't lose my job..

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Aug 8, 2015

The DON will conduct an investigation...

route cause determined, and appropriate in service, to prevent same incident in group or 1on1....

most CNAs do not have a lis., but rather a certificate.

My advice when attempting intervention, that is labor intensive, and patient/resident can not assist,

It is prudent to seek additional help.

but, accidents, incidents happen, strive to reduce their frequency.

best wishes

mrsboots87 · Aug 9, 2015

You will likely not lose your job unless you have had other incidents in the past or have upset the wrong person in your facility. Write up? Maybe. Some in service? Probably.

When I assist a resident in bed without a second person, I always have the bed against the wall (I work in LTC so no bed rails either). This way the wall keeps the resident from going over the side. Was the resident in their side when you pulled the sheet? If so then of course they rolled off. If they were on their back, then they would likely have stayed out. Without a wall, you could still roll the patient toward yourself to pull the rolled bed linens out. Then lay the patient flat before pulling and tucking sheets so they do go rolling.

Last thing, NEVER attempt to pick up a fallen resident before the nurse can assess. If the resident had broken something and you moved them, the u jury could have been worse. The nurse should always asses and get a set of vital before moving a fallen resident. Whether witnessed or not.

I I have been involved in a apt with fall before. (Normally stable gait patient got wobbly as I was opening g a door. I was unable to prevent the fall complete but got them to the ground safely with no head touching the ground.) anyway, for the incident report, I filled out exactly what happened with times and names of people present.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Aug 9, 2015

What were they care planned for? 1 asst or 2? In my experience, the care plan MUST be followed regardless. In most facilities that I have worked for, if an incident occurs d/t the care plan not being followed, that can result in a write up at best and termination in most cases. It really just depends on your facility.

On another note, please don't ever move a fallen resident until they have been assessed. I've seen many injuries with falls that are not obvious. Best of luck.