Abuse

kwagner_51 · Nov 6, 2003

CCU NRS,

Did you document that the patient was confused? The reason I ask is, I went to an inservice yesterday led by a NRS/Attorney. She said that Attorneys LOOK for undocumented stuff. You said/ he said. If you documented it, then the case is OVER! YOU WIN!! She said to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! The fact that the Hosp. is behind you, is a very GOOD sign!

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Town & Country · Nov 6, 2003

So sorry to hear what you're going through.

But it's GOOD that the hospital is standing behind you.

If you didn't slap him, then don't worry about it.

What "evidence" does he have, other than his word against yours?

If he has no evidence, then most assuredly the charges will be dropped.

He is probably hoping the hospital will $ettle...ka-ching!

Don't let them, though. Your name needs to be cleared, either by being declared "innocent", or the charges dropped.

rstewart · Nov 13, 2003

I am sorry to see such a thing happen to a fellow nurse. Here is my advice:

First and foremost, stop talking about this case in forums such as this, or at work -------or anywhere else for that matter. Easier said than done I realize, but it's important. If the hospital attorney did not offer that advice he or she should have; if they did, then listen to them.

Secondly, if you carry malpractice inform your carrier now. Today. Not next week. Not if/when you hear from the Board of Nursing. Not when you become aware that you have been named in a civil action------but now.

Please keep in mind that assault/abuse is a different ball of wax than a med mal. The hospital may well be supporting you in some respects since it is in their interests to do so. But what if, for example, this buttlick reports you to the Board? You do not want to represent yourself for such a required investigation----your license is on the line. Obtain your own represention now if you don't have an attorney under a personel malpractice policy. Expensive? No doubt. Possibly overkill/unnecessary? Perhaps. But do you really want to take a chance on something so potentially damaging?

Chances are the hospital's insurance company will make this case go away from their perspective by a settlement; there is nothing you can do about that. However, you need to protect yourself in my opinion. I urge you to do so.