Abandonment

[farmdog]

I was 2 hours into my shift attempting to complete my responsibilities when I continued to find things that another nurse had done over my days off that could of compromised my license/job. I had taken this to administration once before without any action taken. I walked to my MDS/RN and reported to her what had been completed and walked out. What would be or could be ramifications and how can I help myself to keep my license. I know I could of completely handle the situation differently but what's done is done. Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

farmdog said:

I continued to find things that another nurse had done over my days off that could of compromised my license/job.

What, exactly, is it that someone else could have done while you were not working that could have led to you losing your license? Each licensed individual works only under his or her license; the most common reasons that one loses a license are drugs/alcohol and illegal activities. Unless you were acting outside of your scope or not adhering to the standards of the license you hold, I find it hard to believe your license was at risk because of something someone else did.

You've definitely abandoned your job. It'll be taken as quitting without notice, likely get you marked as a do not rehire, and definitely not going to be a good reference. As for abandonment and your license, that will highly depend on the state's definition of abandonment. You gave report to another nurse; did that nurse accept care of the patients?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I cannot be of much assistance due to the vagueness of your post. However, a lack of details might be a positive thing due to the potential of disciplinary action from the state board of nursing if your former employer opts to refer your license number and file a complaint for abandoning your patient load.

farmdog said:

I continued to find things that another nurse had done over my days off that could of compromised my license/job.

Again, I cannot stress enough that the "my license is compromised" mantra is markedly overblown. It is extremely difficult to lose a nursing license. In fact, many nurses who have made reprehensible mistakes and/or done something that led to patient demise still practice nursing with their licensure free and clear.

Most nursing licensure is revoked due to impaired practice, prescription drug abuse, theft, intemperate use of alcohol/street drugs, narcotic diversion, and other persistent problems related to addiction. Nurses rarely, if ever, lose their licenses over patient care mistakes, undone work, or poor documentation.

We are all responsible for our own practice.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I too am confused, why you were so worried about someone putting your livelihood in jeopardy (while off duty??)....that you put your livelihood in jeopardy

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

You really messed up.....

only your practice can jeopardize. Your lis.

your practice, in my opinion, did......the MDS nurse, did that nurse accept your assignment?

[sevensonnets]

I don't understand why if you thought something someone else did on your day off would compromise your license, you compromised itself by abandoning your patients. You should have thought that through before walking out.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Im a little confused- the prev. person did something that might "compromise " your license, but then you abandoned your assignment, which most certainly will compromise your license.

Good luck. I dont have any solutions, sorry.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Well, you have us all confused with the little details. I'm going to try and guess at a few things.

MDS nurse....so you work in LTC? Was it false documentation from another nurse? Did they use your name on documentation?

I'm not sure what would make you leave so abruptly and abandon you position. I've been pulled into some deep situations but still have to scratch my head on what would make you up and leave? Did you give report to another nurse that was qualified to accept your duties? Did you call you malpractice insurance provider right after you left?

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Your details are a little vague, so it's impossible to know for sure what will happen. If you didn't give a complete report on your patients and/or the receiving nurse did not agree to take the assignment, you are guilty of patient abandonment, which can be reported to the BON. You did far more to put your license at risk than any other nurse could on your off time. That was such an immature and foolish act.

Seems to me you need to hope and pray your facility doesn't report your actions to the board. Maybe you can talk your way out of this, but you are going to need to take full responsibility for your actions and present a very contrite face to your DON.

[farmdog]

Thank you for your replies. I'm 100% aware that what I had done was wrong which is why I contacted the BON myself and told them what had occurred. I own up to my mistakes & have problem with taking the consequences. As for the other "issues" I have found that all it was is an excuse to attempt to make myself feel better about my rash decision. When truly what has happened is I needed/need/am getting counseling. I feel we all have things in our lives that overwhelm us & we do not deal with them in the correct nor healthy manner. As of this time I'm currently taking a leave from nursing and giving myself 7 months to either finish my education or move on. Grief is a crippling issue...and stronger than I have ever begun to think. Bless you all and thank you!!

[LovingLife123]

farmdog said:

Thank you for your replies. I'm 100% aware that what I had done was wrong which is why I contacted the BON myself and told them what had occurred. I own up to my mistakes & have problem with taking the consequences. As for the other "issues" I have found that all it was is an excuse to attempt to make myself feel better about my rash decision. When truly what has happened is I needed/need/am getting counseling. I feel we all have things in our lives that overwhelm us & we do not deal with them in the correct nor healthy manner. As of this time I'm currently taking a leave from nursing and giving myself 7 months to either finish my education or move on. Grief is a crippling issue...and stronger than I have ever begun to think. Bless you all and thank you!!

Im so sorry you are dealing with these issues. Hopefully counseling can help you. I can certainly understand you going in and finding things out of whack from another nurse and it just being the final straw with all you have going on in your life. I'm sure you were just frustrated with all you have going on in your life in general.

I wish you luck in getting your life back on track. Kudos to you for recognizing and reaching out for help. I hope it helps.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

(((farmdog))) here's a virtual hug. I'm sorry for the loss that has caused so much grief, and wish you all the best in getting your life back on track.