abandonment

Castiela · Dec 20, 2017

It's job abandonment ent not patient abandonment. It's fireable offence but I don't think you can be reported to the bon for it

RotorRunner · Dec 20, 2017

Sounds like they'll fire you but I don't see how that's reportable to the BON. Sounds like a ludicrous and unsafe assignment.

Good luck. Hope you find a less stressful job.

Kitiger, RN · Dec 21, 2017

I think you did the only thing you could do. You have to get out of that place!

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2017

Generally speaking, you must accept the assignment and then leave for it to meet the level of abandonment. You did not accept the assigment and informed managment of that fact.Before the facts become foggy you need to write down everything that happened including the times and all communication with managment.This is in the event they lie about the facts and try to discredit you. Also date and sign the entries.

caliotter3 · Dec 21, 2017

It would have been better had you resigned after the first instance, but you did the right thing. Hope you don't pay too high a price for your action.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2017

For the DON to report you for abandonment, she would have to acknowledge the fact that that INSANITY is acceptable to her. I can't imagine THAT looking good for her. I mean really, if an experienced nurse thinks it's reasonable to watch a unit AND ANOTHER LOCKED UNIT... that smacks of incompetence. :whistling:

But in any case, you did not abandon patients -- as you did not accept report, you HAD NO patients.

I hope you find a better job soon... I honestly think being rid of those fools is a blessing.

ChryssyD · Dec 21, 2017

Quit this job NOW if you haven't already. In most states, abandonment is a reportable offense, no matter the circumstance--you cannot just walk out on your patients. But I know how you feel: I have been in similar situations--the only RN for 120 patients in 2 nursing homes, the only nurse (and no aide) for over 30 patients in a sub-acute setting: tube feedings, IV meds, wound care, diabetics, incontinent patients, demented patients trying to crawl out of bed all night. Believe you me, I've been there. I did the best I could and prayed.

But should it have to come to that? NO! But this is nursing in a for-profit system. If you didn't know this is how it is when you went into it, you do now. I am not saying it's in any way OK, and you should definitely get out of this horrible situation if you haven't already. But you cannot just walk out. Do the best you can, then quit. The best advice I can give, unjust as it seems. Please update us with the news you have quit this terrible job!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2017

Well, I show up for work and see that I have 72 patients again, half of which are in a locked dementia unit, the rest in a split hall outside the unit. I called the DON and informed her that I was not taking keys for that many people again without help, it was dangerous and unsafe for me and the residents. I did it once before and was giving morning meds at 3pm! I felt physically sick at the thought. Three fourths of the med pass are bps with parameters, half blood sugars, etc. aside from everything else. I had clocked in and went to my car to call DON. She informed me that she was going to report me to Ohio BON for abandonment.I did not take keys or report and she told me to go home if I was not accepting the assignment, which I did. I went back in and clocked out, total of 15 minutes. Any thoughts??? Im done with nursing. Just cannot do this anymore. Never ever gets better, and never will. Im coming Walmart!

If you did not take report, you cannot be reported for abandonment. The for profit facility is attempting to force you into unsafe practice and beating you up... for their almighty $$$.

Report this issue to Medicare and the state you live in. Never look back. Do not give up on nursing.. you have skills that will provide you with a good income.. in the right place.

Best wishes.

JKL33 · Dec 21, 2017

Quit this job NOW if you haven't already. In most states, abandonment is a reportable offense, no matter the circumstance--you cannot just walk out on your patients.
.... I am not saying it's in any way OK, and you should definitely get out of this horrible situation if you haven't already. But you cannot just walk out....

This is not correct information. As mentioned above, there's job abandonment and patient abandonment. The OP did not receive report and thus did not abandon any patients. Same reason why calling in sick or even being a 'no call-no show' may get one in trouble but also is not "patient abandonment." The fact that she was there and left is irrelevant since she never assumed care of any patients.

It's definitely not ideal (just like being assigned 70+ patients isn't), but it's not patient abandonment.

The question will be whether the DON is just ignorant vs. knows very well it isn't patient abandonment but plans to try to frame it as such anyway.

Irish_Mist, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2017

They CANNOT report you to the board of nursing. Well, they can but the Ohio BON will laugh at them. She did that to scare you into accepting an unsafe assignment and keeping your mouth shut. You did the right thing by leaving. You are a prudent and responsible nurse for doing what you did.

guest1055037 · Dec 22, 2017

Thank you to all of you for your kind comments. I guess I needed validation from those who know of what I speak. I have not returned to the facility and I have not heard anything from them. I am a professional and to have been forced into leaving or accept a dangerous assignment pains me, although I know I did the right thing. Its been a couple days and I feel like a big weight has been lifted, although now Im worrying about income...God works as He does..its Christmas! Peace, Love and Joy to the world