Am I being investigated?

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Sorry, RCA means a root cause analysis.

Everyone involved in the incident and on duty in the unit is mandated to attend. The documentation is reviewed and everyone who was present is given an opportunity to explain what happened and what they did to protect the patient. It is an effort to get to the truth when they are receiving very polar accounts about a major incident involving disability or death.

I would be highly suspicious of their motives if there has not been an RCA.

shortstuff31117 · Jan 30, 2015

Ahh sort of like a debriefing? My hospital is known for not doing that. Everyone involved met with the quality control person individually up to this point. I can't imagine the accounts differing very much from person to person, but obviously I have no idea what the doctor said.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 30, 2015

Back long ago, I had a bad outcome occur with another nurse's patient (not my patient, but I was there) and we were called into a sort of "debriefing"/RCA. EVERYONE who was involved or witnessed the event was there, including the doctor and our nurse manager. It's a good way to get a grip on WHAT happened, what could have been done better, and what we learned. I can't believe your hospital is not doing that. Seems kind of negligent to me. You all need to debrief, in a CLOSED meeting, with any and all providers involved.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 30, 2015

And if you do not have malpractice insurance, this may be en eye-opener to consider doing so ASAP.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 30, 2015

One more piece of advice: DISCUSS WITH NO ONE this case. Hopefully the charts are secured so that only you and the others signed off on them can see them. Say NOTHING to anyone for any reason, lest your words be called into question and haunt you later on.

shortstuff31117 · Jan 30, 2015

Oh yeah we were all advised not to discuss it. 4 weeks after the fact but whatever...I don't discuss it. I'm feeling very frustrated and am thinking of looking for other employment...

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 30, 2015

I am sorry you are going through this, shortstuff. Hang in there; I am really wishing you the best. Nursing sure isn't easy!!

toomuchbaloney · Jan 30, 2015

So, don't panic.

YOu are likely okay, you would know if you did something which resulted in harm.

It is important to contact your malpractice provider.

I would make certain to have a witness present who can hear both sides of any "interview" conducted over the phone.

You are quite correct that your nursing notes will be the basis for finding you innocent of any wrong doing. In depositions the opposing attorneys can be brutal in trying to twist your charting and put intent or knowledge or error somewhere in the "between the lines" interpretations. Stick with the facts. Don't guess. If you don't remember clearly say so. In this instance your interview should be less harrowing that than.

Good luck.

beckyboo1, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2015

I am very much in need of my own personal malpractice insurance. What companies do you all use? Years ago, I remember one called Nurses Service Organization. Is that still a provider?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 31, 2015

I am very much in need of my own personal malpractice insurance. What companies do you all use? Years ago, I remember one called Nurses Service Organization. Is that still a provider?

Yes, it's one of the major 2 that I'm aware of. The other is Proliability.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2015

It is devastating when you realize that people whom you thought were your friends and colleagues, turn out not to be your friends at all or even honorable people, when they deliberately lie to save their jobs or that of their buddies. It happened to me last year and has changed my outlook on this profession forever.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jan 31, 2015

I have never been interviewed over the phone, only in person. Is this going to court or are they trying to settle. And be prepared to go over every single word you charted. If there is something you are unclear on say you don't remember or recall. If you don't understand something that is asked if you, ask for clarification. And ask if this is being recorded and if you can have a copy or transcript of the conversation. And like everyone said, get in touch with your own legal counsel and have them present if possible or ask to postpone until so.

I am am sorry this is happening. I have been deposed and gone to court several times, it is very unnerving. Good luck to you!