pt fall during shift change

my patient fell last night during change of shift, i havent gotten report for the patient yet. who's responsibility would that be? pt was A+Ox1 as reported by prev RN, but without any bed alarm, vest restraints/ med. thanks

my patient fell last night during change of shift, i havent gotten report for the patient yet. who's responsibility would that be? pt was A+Ox1 as reported by prev RN, but without any bed alarm, vest restraints/ med. thanks

Since bed alarm is not considered a restraint, it is always safe to put a bed alarm on a patient who is considered confused or fall risk. Legally even tho you are clocked in, but since you still hadn't received report on that patient, you are not liable for the fall at all. You didn't even know the patient yet. Sounds like the previous nurse neglected to intervene to maximize patient safety, the fall could had been prevented.

So don't sweat, you weren't at fault at all. But I do want to tell you that soon as you finish report on similar patient, make sure you go in and make the pt's surroundings and environment safe. Bed alarm, elimination needs, intake needs... etc.