Abandonment law in California

[donisbac]

Hello,

I refused an assignment when I find out 1:15 ratio is unsafe to provide cna care. I told the Nurse in charge that I cannot accept 15 patients because I feel that it is unsafe and that my shoulder is on pain because of previous groups 1:11. So I refused to take the assignment and Never sign my signature below in the assignment sheet. This facility tend to always understaff. I clock out. Is this consider as abandonment? I need your advice please. Thank you!

[caliotter3]

Abandonment of job. I suppose you have been terminated.

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

If you do not accept a patient assignment, then you cannot be accused of abandoning that patient, as they were never under your care. Your CNA cert is safe.

That said, as the above poster mentioned, you may be let go from your job if you regularly refuse patient assignments due to what you perceive to be unfair or unsafe ratios. Your job is not safe.

[crazin01]

I agree that your job is in jeopardy. But, as stated above, you technically never accepted the assignment/patients, so you cannot be accused of patient abandonment. But leaving as you did, is very detrimental to your employment. What was your employers response to you walking out?

I'm also curious about you stating you're having shoulder pain, because of a previous assignment with 11 patients. Did you injure your shoulder at work? (that seems to be what you're insinuating). Did you see a doctor or start a workers compensation case?

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I'm just curious as to why you felt it unsafe? When people say an assignment is unsafe it generally does not have anything to do with personal injuries. I think you misunderstand that.

1:15 is not at all uncommon in LTC.