2 cases of abuse covered up

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 12, 2005

I believe anonymous reporting to the state is in order.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · May 12, 2005

The nursing home that i work in is unbelievable! We have a CNA caught by the RNAC slapping a resident in the face (she got sent home for the afternoon and switched to the other unit) another resident TIED to the bed with sheets(because she kept trying to get out of bed) and NOBODY punished for it!! Neither case was documented, turned into the state, nor families called) How can they justify that? What should be done? I know the right thing is to report it but what happens then, since there is no documentation?? Just the ones that witnessed it. Aren't we all quilty for not telling anyone?? Need some opinions please.

Please report that to the State; both are cases of abuse. And yes, as a witness, you are required to report, even if nobody else does.

kimann37 · May 12, 2005

Thank you for your response. I know in my heart the right thing is reporting it. It will be reported!Kim

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · May 12, 2005

I believe anonymous reporting to the state is in order.

Absolutely.

It won't be easy. Even anonymously.

But this kind of thing will continue as long as it is tolerated--and no documentation or discipline is tolerance.

You will be a secret angel for those who won't be abused because you started the chain of events to increase supervision and protection.

Go get 'em!

kimann37 · May 12, 2005

Where do I start?

Absolutely.
It won't be easy. Even anonymously.
But this kind of thing will continue as long as it is tolerated--and no documentation or discipline is tolerance.
You will be a secret angel for those who won't be abused because you started the chain of events to increase supervision and protection.
Go get 'em!

bobnurse · May 12, 2005

I believe that you are obligated to report that to the state, as well as their licensure agency.......From what ive seen, if i reported you for not reporting it, your in just as much trouble.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · May 12, 2005

Call your state department of health.

They almost always have a toll free "hot line."

You can probably use http://www.google.com for it. (I use it for everything.)

Good for you.

bobnurse · May 12, 2005

Call your state department of health.
They almost always have a toll free "hot line."
You can probably use www.google.com for it. (I use it for everything.)
Good for you.

I thought nursing homes had to have that stuff plastered on the wall somewhere.....Phone numbers to report that stuff..........Easily visible to all.

leslie :-D · May 13, 2005

I thought nursing homes had to have that stuff plastered on the wall somewhere.....Phone numbers to report that stuff..........Easily visible to all.

that's absolutely correct.

there should be a number of the ombudsman with a phone number, easily visible to all who work or visit the ltc.

just jot the number down and call from your house.

if cna's also witnessed this, please encourage them to call the ombudsman too.

best of luck- that facility should be shut down. :angryfire

leslie

punnit_square · May 15, 2005

The nursing home that i work in is unbelievable! We have a CNA caught by the RNAC slapping a resident in the face (she got sent home for the afternoon and switched to the other unit) another resident TIED to the bed with sheets(because she kept trying to get out of bed) and NOBODY punished for it!! Neither case was documented, turned into the state, nor families called) How can they justify that? What should be done? I know the right thing is to report it but what happens then, since there is no documentation?? Just the ones that witnessed it. Aren't we all quilty for not telling anyone?? Need some opinions please.

Bring a camera to work, most cell phones have em, take pics and forward to state. That will have everyone's orifice in a tizzy then won't it.

punnit_square · May 15, 2005

Where do I start?

Whatever state you live in, you can call health and human services, elder abuse line, Medicaid, medicare. That would cause them to stop accepting admissions until investigation is done (depending on your state) when a cover up is involved