Any advice would be Appreciated

[ShannonIsMe]

Recently, 2 nurses on our unit were put under investigation for an incident that "supposedly" occurred. While the investigation continues, the 2 nurses have been assigned to my floor while the staff on my floor must now rotate through their floor. I am very upset about this as 1.) the patient's girlfriend has filed approx 9 complaints against various staff members 2.) we are all basically in agreement that this girlfriend is looking for some kind of settlement as the patient in question has ALS. 3.) every complaint filed by this couple is seeking to remove nursing license. My question is if I am reassigned for a shift and have to go in to the room where all this is occurring, can I refuse to go in to that room knowing that I could be on the "chopping block" as the next person they have lined up to take away their nursing license? My employer doesn't seem to care about reassigning us to go in the room. I am terrified I could become the next target. Any help would be appreciated.

[Momma1RN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Hmm. That's a weird situation. Do you have any details about what the couple is accusing the nurses of?

[ShannonIsMe]

No I do not. It's all hush hush and no one will elaborate due to the investigation. It all just seems so "off" and "not right".

[Momma1RN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I wouldn't refuse to care for the patient. I would practice within my scope, competently and treat the patient and the family as if you aren't aware of an investigation. For all you know, the nurses ACTUALLY did do something where the appropriate action is suspension of their licenses.

[ShannonIsMe]

Thank you! That helps. Makes me feel better!

[buzy1bee]

It may just be poor management it's difficult to lose your license you can review the boards decisions in your state consumer affairs won't investigate reports of manipulation by coworkers/pt/pt family members. Consumer affairs is pretty fair and very aware of false accusations it's constant.

[ScrappytheCoco]

Care for the patient as usual and chart like your life depends on it.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I have quite a few patients in my facility who are very accusatory. Our solution is to always have two staff members go in the room whether it's 2 CNAs or 2 licensed people. It's a PITA, but better that than having to do investigation after investigation.

I don't know about your state, but in Massachusetts, it's not easy to take away a nursing license.

[amoLucia]

I have quite a few patients in my facility who are very accusatory. Our solution is to always have two staff members go in the room whether it's 2 CNAs or 2 licensed people. It's a PITA, but better that than having to do investigation after investigation.

I don't know about your state, but in Massachusetts, it's not easy to take away a nursing license.

This is the same approach in many places I've worked. The thing I have about this approach is why couldn't the pt/family view 2 people together as an effort to 'gang up' on the pt/family. Like a 'them' against 'us' mentality as perceived by pt/family. And then they take that to the next level.

It doesn't take much effort for suspiciousness or maleficence to raise its ugly head and cause sheer agony for the unjustly accused. And forget about the 'innocent until proven guilty' premise. The accused is often considered 'guilty until proven innocent', pending investigation, if ever. And I believe that pts/family knowingly take advantage and jollies just because they can make life HELL for others. And then there is always their hope for monetary awards.

As others have suggested, the only defense I can see is good documentation and safety in numbers, albeit iffy as I've commented.

I do sincerely hope that those 2 nurses under investigation have their own malpractice coverage (if nothing else but to ask for info).

Hint - another one of my plugs for nurses to carry their own malpractice insurance.