Abandonment?

Published

I live in Alabama, and was working as a NAT (still training, so I was NOT certified) in a nursing home.

I left/quit during my shift since there were other CNA's that could take over.

My question (which is probably stupid) is, since I was NOT certified, is that still considered abandonment?

If so, what's going to happen? Are there going to be charges pressed or something? I know I won't be able to have any nursing lisence (our Nursing Aid instructor made that clear).

Is this something that will be on my future background checks for any and all future employers?

Could I still be a dental assistant or dental hygienist or work in other non-nursing healthcare careers?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not sure about in your state, But in Pa. It would be considered abandonment. But with you not being certified yet, there's nothing to report to the nursing board/aide registry.

I wouldn't use that facility as a reference when you go to look for another job. Now once your certified I know they can report it to the nurse registry. Do they? I'm not sure,I have known many aides that have walked off the job and worked at another facility and had no problem. Now if you were the House RN/Supervisor and walked out during a shift then I could see them nailing you to a cross.

Can you be arrested? I don't think so. I have never heard of someone being arrested for job abandonment in a nursing home. Maybe if you were doing private duty and you were responsible for the care of a patient in their home, then maybe? Or extreme State of emergencies?

But in a nursing home? Nah. I mean if they were short staffed, then they should have called someone in. Was leaving during a shirt smart? Probably not. But then again this is what pool/per-diem/prn na's are hired for.. Short notice duty.

I wouldn't worry to much about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.

No one here on allnurses can answer this question for you, as it is seeking legal advice. This is against the terms of service for this website. Please seek answers from a lawyer or your states board of nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion