2 cases of abuse covered up

[kimann37]

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.

[kimann37]

I had alot of trouble sunday night at work! The RN that is the adminstrators sister-in-law explained to me that nursing homes would rather fire a TROUBLE MAKER THEN HAVE THE STATE IN INVESTIGATING SHE SAID ITS TOO MUCH PAPER WORK TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS AND ALOT EASIER TO JUST FIRE THE NURSE. i WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT AND TURN THE OTHER WAY AND IF I DON'T LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING GO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO WORK. Also I am not aloud to be friends with the cnas I work with because I am their boss. Well I would rather work where we get along and work as a team, then just firing off orders at them. ANY THOUGHTS??

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Bottom line is that if you're aware of these things happening and you participate in the coverup by remaining silent:

* all of your patients remain at risk for abuse.

* your license is on the line.

If you can actually sleep at night without reporting, maybe you need to be in a different line of work. :stone

PS In case you're seriously considering the camera idea, I think it'd be a HIPAA violation.

[RoxanRN]

I had alot of trouble sunday night at work! The RN that is the adminstrators sister-in-law explained to me that nursing homes would rather fire a TROUBLE MAKER THEN HAVE THE STATE IN INVESTIGATING SHE SAID ITS TOO MUCH PAPER WORK TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS AND ALOT EASIER TO JUST FIRE THE NURSE. i WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT AND TURN THE OTHER WAY AND IF I DON'T LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING GO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO WORK. Also I am not aloud to be friends with the cnas I work with because I am their boss. Well I would rather work where we get along and work as a team, then just firing off orders at them. ANY THOUGHTS??

I believe you are (or should be) protected under whatever 'whistle-blower' legislation is in effect - meaning, there are stiff penelties for the employer/supervisor/co-worker to give/show retribution toward the whistle-blower. http://www.nurseweek.com/features/99-1/whistle.html

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Bottom line is that if you're aware of these things happening and you participate in the coverup by remaining silent:

* all of your patients remain at risk for abuse.

* your license is on the line.

If you can actually sleep at night without reporting, maybe you need to be in a different line of work. :stone

PS In case you're seriously considering the camera idea, I think it'd be a HIPAA violation.

I would turn her butt in soo quick!!!! How dare she???

If you took the time to post/ vent here, you can take the time to call the state. I'm all for staying and trying to make the facility a better place, but I think you need to start looking for a new job.

What about the residents families? Wouldn't they be upset to know what was happening to their loved ones? Wouldn't you.

No one likes to be put in this position, but please....make the call.

[LeiaT]

Image that it was YOUR mother that got slapped in the face, imagine that it was YOUR father that got TIED to the bed! That makes me so mad... :angryfire You need to report it ASAP! I wouldn't worry about getting reprimanded at work. At least you can have a clear conscious.

[LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I work in a LTC facility PRN. We had an incident where something similar happened. Our facility called and reported it themselves. The person was fired and the State came swooping in anyway. As a nurse we are advocates for our patients. Poor care needs to be reported.

On another note, about the friends with CNA's. There is a fine line between friendship and co-worker comrodory. I felt a friendship with the CNA's when I worked there full time. We even went out after work. But I would also follow through and make sure they got their work done.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

I had alot of trouble sunday night at work! The RN that is the adminstrators sister-in-law explained to me that nursing homes would rather fire a TROUBLE MAKER THEN HAVE THE STATE IN INVESTIGATING SHE SAID ITS TOO MUCH PAPER WORK TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS AND ALOT EASIER TO JUST FIRE THE NURSE. i WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT AND TURN THE OTHER WAY AND IF I DON'T LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING GO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO WORK. Also I am not aloud to be friends with the cnas I work with because I am their boss. Well I would rather work where we get along and work as a team, then just firing off orders at them. ANY THOUGHTS??

I agree about HIPAA on the camera idea.

Yes, you can be fired for reporting them, but it is a violation of your civil rights. Visit http://www.google.com and look up "Whistle Blowers Act." I think you'll find you are covered.

You do need not to talk to anyone (except us, of course) about what you are doing, since even if you retained your job, it could get very difficult going to work.

On the other hand, there might be others there who will admire you for standing up for the patients, and for doing what is right.

Everything really does come down to a "crap shoot." You don't know how it will turn out until you have made your choice and walked that path.

One thing you do know: if you don't do anything, the abuse will continue.

[kimann37]

here is an update on my situation. the state was called and they were in the building and boy did the other staff members talk! it just took one person (me) to stand up and say this is wrong and we are not going to put up with it. well it has been hard but so well worth it! the cna was escorted out of the building!!! i feel the world is lifted off my shoulders, by standing my ground, i accomplished keeping more residents safe. :)

i agree about hipaa on the camera idea.

yes, you can be fired for reporting them, but it is a violation of your civil rights. visit http://www.google.com and look up "whistle blowers act." i think you'll find you are covered.

you do need not to talk to anyone (except us, of course) about what you are doing, since even if you retained your job, it could get very difficult going to work.

on the other hand, there might be others there who will admire you for standing up for the patients, and for doing what is right.

everything really does come down to a "crap shoot." you don't know how it will turn out until you have made your choice and walked that path.

one thing you do know: if you don't do anything, the abuse will continue.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

:kiss Bravo! Your residents will be much better off now, knowing there is someone advocating for them!

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

I am so proud of you!!!! And I know that good feeling.

Now, here is another hard part that might come to be, maybe not, but you should be forewarned. (Nobody told me, I've had to kind of figure this out.)

Just because you did a very good and courageous thing, there will be people who will avoid you, look down on you, etc. You've heard "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Well, this is part of it.

I'm not saying you won't get some support, I'm just letting you know, and maybe you already do, and if I am way off point, I apologize.

But do know that we know and applaud your action and bravery, and the high likelihood is, your residents will be safe at least when you are on the grounds.

As they say in these parts, I'm proud to know you. Well done.

[LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Good for you! This is the best thing for your facility.

[pickledpepperRN]

Know you did the right thing.

You may be labeled a 'troublemaker' by those who would cover up wrongdoing.

You are a patient advocate! Good for you!