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
Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..
I have a close friend having to defend her license right now. NSO is a life saver because it’s allowing her to pay for an excellent atty she otherwise may not have been able to afford. Her atty is doing a great job, running interference with the investigator, with her former employer and in general doing everything expected of a good defense atty. It’s not just speaking for you that makes an attorney worthwhile in these situations- it’s all the behind the door stuff that as nurses, we know nothing about.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
10 minutes ago, Justcultureisjustcrap said:
I just received a renewal notice from NSO and they are advertising that they will provide legal counsel to defend your reputation and license.
37 minutes ago, Davey Do said:
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.
OP, I can only imagine how stressful this is for you!!
I am really sorry you are going through this. You had gotten excellent advices and shared experiences that hopefully will give you hope that everything will turn out OK. Personally, it does not seems like the accusation has any real traction; however I wonder if the patient or the family were the ones to request the facility to report you, which would explain why they are going nuclear on you (they have to cover themselves). Before making ANY moves, wait for the next action from the facility, then act accordantly and whatever you do...Do Not contact your nursing board (...if something sticks, they will contact you).
Once things are resolved, strongly consider finding new place of employment; that facility is ready to throw any warm body under the bus to keep patients/family happy...at the end of the day, they are their bread and butter.
Also, please consider obtaining personal Liability Insurance. I've been disposed twice in my nursing career and NSO had been amazing at providing me with competent legal representation (one of them was a previous nurse!!).
Good luck to you and sleep in peace knowing you didn't do anything wrong.
Specializes in Pediatrics (critical care and long term care).
I’m sorry that you are going through this. A DON is required to investigate any claims of abuse. As you said, the resident made a huge deal about the toilet paper. Sometimes when the resident or the resident’s family makes a huge deal about something, the best way to get ahead of it is to do an abuse investigation. This can be done internally, but again, if the is concern that the resident or their family will push harder, it can be advantageous to self report to the ombudsman and have a third party come in to conduct the interviews and review the records. Suspension is common until the findings prove that abuse has not occurred. Emotionally fueled families are usually more accepting of findings from an outside source.
I don’t know your DON or Administrator to be able to state whether they think this abuse or is they are just going through the protocol. I have had to do this a few times as a DON, but I always sit with the employee and explain the process. Try to trust the process though. Easier said than done, I know.
AngelKissed857, BSN, RN
436 Posts
I have a close friend having to defend her license right now. NSO is a life saver because it’s allowing her to pay for an excellent atty she otherwise may not have been able to afford. Her atty is doing a great job, running interference with the investigator, with her former employer and in general doing everything expected of a good defense atty. It’s not just speaking for you that makes an attorney worthwhile in these situations- it’s all the behind the door stuff that as nurses, we know nothing about.