Assault?

Thanks.

I'm not a lawyer…maybe someone who is more legal "savvy" can answer this--if indeed the charge nurse is telling people you punched this pt, did she commit slander?

Anyway, speak with an attorney and make sure your charting is in order.

Thanks. I already wrote down my narrative and emailed it to myself with time stamp as to what happened last night in case there is any issue in the future. I also informed nurse manager and charge nurse that I did put the bruise/swelling in a nursing note and did not understand that charge nurse preferred note instead of observation (which has the exact same info in it which is double charting, but they prefer it that way.) I also made a note as to what I walked in to and who knew when I came on shift indicating Dr. knew pt. in restraints at time I took over shift, etc. per advice of nurse manager. I always type a lot of progress notes during a shift so as far as pt sleeping or being awake, that's covered and I of course documented restraints and when they were ended etc.

It sounds like your charting is accurate and thorough... you should be fine.

The atmosphere around your joint sounds toxic... We end up going 'hands-on' on a routine basis and I can't imagine it going the way that you describe.

I also need to point out that - without knowing all of the details of what you're sensing from those involved - you might be reading more into "it seems the charge must have been telling people she thinks I may have done something to this pt. and may have been covering it up or something because I didn't put it in a nursing note right away" than is really there.

I would approach the involved parties and ask them directly.

Esme: One question that I've had pertaining to malpractice insurance (and my recent incident) is whether you flag yourself for rate hikes by contacting them *before* you know that things are going sour. In my case, I chose not to contact them simply because it seemed premature.

I agree, I think there is a problem with a toxic workplace here. Where I work, no one would ever side with some crazy patient who is high as a kite, requires restraints, needs psyche meds. This charge nurse sounds like she's out to get you, unless there's something you're leaving out here.

Wow. That's a serious accusation. I would consider contacting Human Resources if Charge discussed her concerns with anyone other than management. If charge had even the slightest concern that you may have somehow injured a patient, why did she leave the patient in your care? Telling someone to document something does not protect a patient. I have seen violent patients get injured during the application of restraints. But if restraints were applied before you assumed care, they should be talking to the staff that applied them.

These are the situations we learn from, regardless of how this unfolds, this will make you insist on bedside report so that any issues can be addressed immediately.