Abandonment?

[audsanders]

Hi everyone,

I was still in orientation, shadowing a CNA when an emergency came up and I had to leave. I let the CNA and nurse know why I had to leave and was told that I could be in trouble for desertion--which I think is the same as abandonment. What I am wondering is how is this abandonment if I did not have my own assignment?

Thanks!

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Were you assigned pts by preceptor?

[audsanders]

No, just followed around the CNA. I was given no patients or specific duties aside from learning the schedule and routines. I didn't even receive report from the previous shift.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

It's not, but it depends on your state's definition of abandonment. They may not like it and you may lose your job for leaving. But it is not abandonment. Of course, desertion is a different take. Any time you leave without completing your shift and/or against the good graces (permission) of your employer, they can say that you deserted your job, and they'd be right.

This all tends to vary by facility and by state. Review the policies and procedures of your facility (if they allow you back in the building), and well as the practice act and laws regulating CNAs in your state for more accurate details.

Moving forward, if you are ever in that situation again, telling a CNA that you have to leave shouldn't even be on your list of people to report to until your charge nurse tells you to give report to another. Reporting to the nurse/manager in charge should always be your priority, and if at all possible, wait for the ok to leave, orientation or not.

[audsanders]

Hi there! Thanks for the information. I will look closer at the materials they gave me. I guess it is what it is. If they pull my certification they do. My son was injured there wasn't much I could

Do

[audsanders]

And I already told them that I wouldnt be able to work there anymore and told them why. Very politely-- and I thanked them for the chance to work there. I explained I did not want to risk losing my certification if emergencies/childcare issues or whatever came up. I realize they need someone with less going on in their personal life who can be reliable. At this point I'm just worried about that because I am normally very conscientious and wouldn't just leave but it was a true emergency.