I was at work a couple evenings ago and had a resident continue to ask for toilet paper, which is a common behavior for her. I went into her room and saw that she had a full roll and I advised her that she had enough for the evening and that once I found someone in housekeeping (they keep the toilet paper locked up) that I would get her more. She continued to argue that she needed more right now and I kept explaining that I was unable to get her more right now. She began to literally scream that she wanted more toilet paper and was making a huge scene in the hallway.
I charted on the behavior and was very detailed in it, making sure I stated that I went to her room to ensure that she had enough toilet paper, and that I assured her that I would get her more once I saw someone from housekeeping. I stated in my charting that she was yelling and that since we could not get her to calm down using reassurance, we began to ignore the BEHAVIOR (not her).
I was told by my DON and administrator that they have to turn that in for potential abuse, and now I am absolutely freaking out that I’m going to lose my license. Has anyone ever had to deal with anything like this? I’m in Illinois. I’ve only been a nurse for 2 years. I really hope I didn’t just ruin my career
In all fairness, sideshowstarlet, toilet paper can be a safety hazard.
No kidding.
A few years back, at Wrongway, a therapist had one of her clients admitted to psych because the client actually wrapped toilet paper around their neck and said they were going to hang themselves.
I apologize for the graphic imagery, but hey- we all are adults and we're professionals.
Wow. I had no idea that that's a thing. It seems unlikely to be lethal, but the suicidal ideation and intent was clearly present. I always appreciate you sharing your experience.
Now that I'm done rolling my eyes about the OP's facility, I wonder what this resident gets out of having so much toilet paper on hand?
This is insanity. I cannot speak to your state's board or even begin to predict what they will do. I would definitely retain an attorney before you provide ANY contact with the nursing board. I wouldn't even return a phone call from them. Fortunately, in my state, this would be a big joke. Unfortunately still, it apparently is a serious matter in some states!
Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..
If you have been reported to the board, they will contact you. Do NOT contact them!
Please remember- no one at the Board is your friend! Repeat that!
Do you have malpractice insurance?? If so, call them immediately. They will provide an atty to defend your license. If you don’t have malpractice insurance, buy it immediately- it’s cheap as it can be and will give you peace of mind while protecting you in the future. If you haven’t been contacted by the board yet, it is likely to cover you if you buy coverage now. https://www.NSO.com/malpractice-insurance/Individuals/Nurses
I have a dear friend who was fired for multiple med errors. Sounds bad, right? It was resolved by the union and facility as a wrongful termination, they had absolutely nothing documenting a med error. Nothing. But they had already reported her to the board- and just because it was proven not to be true, the investigation goes through to the end. Thank God she has malpractice insurance. She’s doing great by the way. Sending you good energy- please buy malpractice insurance immediately- maximum limits- so cheap. And go get a new job. Life is too short.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
On 1/10/2022 at 3:54 AM, Jess0418 said:
Should I contact the state or the board myself to see what I need to do to protect myself?
Here's another interesting point that is getting a lot of attention- that the board, or more precisely, the IDPR, will be contacted over such a matter.
When I was suspended for client neglect/abuse, I worked for the state. A complaint was file with the OIG. IDES and INA were involved. All governmental state agencies. The "board" was not contacted!
I've known of nurses in Illinois who illegally used Demerol both IM and IV, while on the job, and they didn't lose their licenses!
Jeeze! I could tell you stories of much, much worse stuff that has gone on, and it all just blew over.
Although I am not a betting man, I would wager big time that the board will not even be involved, and this thing will blow over with no repercussions.
I will gladly eat crow and apologize profusely if any of these conjectured bad things occur!
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
52 minutes ago, Davey Do said:
Jeeze! I could tell you stories of much, much worse stuff that has gone on, and it all blew over.
Just for the halibut, I'll share one of those stories.
A state hospital forensic client was to be transferred from the local facility to Chicago. A security guard, tech and RN accompanied the client on the transport.
They got to Springfield and stopped to eat dinner in a restaurant. The client said they needed to use the restroom and left the table unaccompanied.
After an appropriate amount of had passed, the trio went to check on the client and could find them nowhere. They knew they should contact the PD, but before they did, they attempted to buy the restaurant's video footage from the manager, who, of course, refused.
The PD was summoned and eventually the forensic client was apprehended. Be sure to realize this client had committed some heinous crime and was ruled not guilty by reason of insanity, or guilty but mentally ill, or some such thing.
Of course, a big investigation followed. I don't know what happened to the security guard or tech, but the RN, who by the way was also a MN house supervisor, just handed in her notice and quit without repercussion.
I heard this story from tech I worked with at Wrongway, who had worked at the state facility at the time of its occurrence, and had it confirmed by the RN, because I also worked with her. She told me the story like it was nothing big: "Yeah- I quit and got out of there before they could do anything to me", she said.
This RN wasn't the sharpest saw in the shed but did make a prudent move.
And you think toilet paper and using the word ignore is a big deal.
Oh boy. Next time document something like "attempts at redirection unsuccessful". You never want to "do nothing". even if you are only reporting it to the oncoming shift to monitor, its something.
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
The facility is being ridiculous. Talk with your attorney first, but perhaps the facility needs to be aware that 'false reporting' can result in a lawsuit against them for your stress and legal fees. The facility also needs to be aware that if they are considering extra toilet paper so essential as to report a nurse for neglect to the BON, then them keeping this essential item under lock and key and not readily available deserves a report to the appropriate authorities against them. But again, do as your attorney instructs
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
Reading this after just reading a post from someone who made a med error (albeit a very critical med error) - and how they are being threatened (terrorized, perhaps?) with termination, reporting to Boards, yelled at - do we not wonder why there is a nursing shortage today? And yes, I believe these younger nurses are being terrorized. Yes, critical errors are made. Horrible. Just horrible. But how many of us have NOT made a critical error whether it is in regard to patient care or even trying to get through the "yellow" traffic light and causing an accident in which people are injured. (I live near a busy intersection and see that several times a month).
I would love to meet these directors, doctors, DON's and others that have lived an error free life. Perhaps they could hold a convention and teach the rest of us how to be perfect.
Lawyers don't help much with the BON. They aren't allowed to speak. My colleague wanted a lot of money on one. It's basically a "court" where you are assumed guilty, and you might or might not be given an opportunity to defend yourself. If you carry your own Liability Insurance, like NSO, sometimes they will help you defend your license. How ridiculous that they would suspend you for that, IMHO.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 hour ago, Justcultureisjustcrap said:
sometimes they will help you defend your license.
Is this empirical or surmised information?
In a civil suit, I requested my lawyer to contact NSO for their assistance since part of my actions as the defendant were based on my knowledge as a nurse.
My lawyer received a response from NSO basing their decision not to be involved due to the defendants' statements from the deposition. Statements in the deposition that I had made as part of my defense weren't noted or considered.
As a result of that scenario, I dropped my Liability Insurance and worked the remaining 21 years without it, saving well over $2000 that I would have otherwise given them for naught.
Lawyers don't help much with the BON. They aren't allowed to speak. My colleague wasted a lot of money on one. It's basically a "court" where you are assumed guilty, and you might or might not be given an opportunity to defend yourself. If you carry your own Liability Insurance, like NSO, sometimes they will help you defend your license. How ridiculous that they would suspend you for that, IMHO.
I just received a renewal notice from NSO and they are advertising that they will provide legal counsel to defend your reputation and license.
sideshowstarlet, BSN, RN
297 Posts
Wow. I had no idea that that's a thing. It seems unlikely to be lethal, but the suicidal ideation and intent was clearly present. I always appreciate you sharing your experience.
Now that I'm done rolling my eyes about the OP's facility, I wonder what this resident gets out of having so much toilet paper on hand?