Charting for another nurse

kanzi monkey · Oct 18, 2009

I started a new job at an adult day health center. The director is telling me I need to chart for the LVN because she is older and unwilling to learn how to chart on the computer. Mind you, I am not with her when she does her patient care, but I am asked to chart for her, using a post it note that she used to jot down info while seeing the patient. I am a new grad and need advice. My common sense says NO WAY, but the director is insisting I do it. Am I playing with fire, and should I quit?

I saw the title of this thread and laughed...gee, I always want to ask someone to do my charting for me :smokin:

Reality though--you shouldn't be charting for anyone but yourself. And no one should do your charting for you. Both of you are liable for what is documented. So is the director, I think. But I'm guessing if anything ever went wrong, the director might re-think her stance on "charting for another person" and change her opinion--retroactively.

4theBetterGetter, RN · Oct 18, 2009

FIRE!!!!!!!!!! Run for your life!

mominsd · Oct 18, 2009

Thank you all who have contributed to my situation. I really appreciate your feedback. I am quiting tomorrow right when I walk in. I have read every response and my knowledge as a new grad just improved ten fold!!! Thanks all.

NurseKatSteeZ · Oct 18, 2009

***? That's all im saying.

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2009

Ummm, NOOOOO WAY! First of all, that other LVN needs to learn to do her job, including learning the computer system. If you chart something and later get called to court for an adverse event, YOU will be held responsible because YOU charted it. No way. And also, that is only adding to your workload. I wouldnt even consider working for a place who practices such behavior. Thats illegal.

FLArn · Oct 18, 2009

To the OP,

If you have definitely decided to quit that job (and I definitely think you should) it would probably be in your best interest to give and work out a notice. If the DON would ask you to do something like chart for another nurse, I have no doubt she would be capable of reporting you for patient abandonment. I would say at the very least, go in prior to your shift at least as many hours as you are required for calling off sick and quit. Quitting when you report for duty may put you in questionable circumstances, esp. if you work afternoons or nights which are harder to cover.

If you work out a notice make sure the DON is clear that you will not be charting for others or any other questionable activities. :nono:

My best wishes on your future and keep us posted!

mominsd · Oct 19, 2009

Thanks All. I gave my notice today. They said if I don't chart for the LVN, then I need to quit because they can't let the LVN go because she has been there for 10 years. Needless to say I quit and I feel great about my decision.

DAVISJA · Oct 20, 2009

Charting for someone else is very dangerous and you can lose your license behind it. If you do not witness an assessment, or patient care, or a procedure, you CAN NOT chart it. If something goes wrong and your situation or the patient ends up in court, you are liable because you name is on it. If your nurse manager asks you to do something as unethical as that, you may want to find another place to work. You worked very hard to get your nursing license so therefore you need to work very hard to keep them!!

Batman24 · Oct 20, 2009

You did the right thing. Shame on them. And if some RN comes in and is dumb enough to do it they will learn the hard way when a patient sues and the DON feigns ignorance and says they never said this was okay. They will hang the nurses out to dry.

tewdles, RN · Oct 20, 2009

You did the right thing. Shame on them. And if some RN comes in and is dumb enough to do it they will learn the hard way when a patient sues and the DON feigns ignorance and says they never said this was okay. They will hang the nurses out to dry.

True, time and time again...

caliotter3 · Oct 20, 2009

Thanks All. I gave my notice today. They said if I don't chart for the LVN, then I need to quit because they can't let the LVN go because she has been there for 10 years. Needless to say I quit and I feel great about my decision.

So, she was more useful to them? I wish I could say the same about my relationship with employers. You did the best thing in this circumstance. Best of luck in finding a good place to work.

sharpeimom · Oct 20, 2009

is she computer phobic? a lot of people of a certain age are, whether they admit it or not. they don't even have to be "older" to react that way. when my husband first began using a computer when they were still fairly new, he absolutely hated the whole process. he didn't really become relaxed with them until i got my first laptop and he, after much urging, tried it out. he loved it!

maybe if the lvn doesn't have a computer at home or if her computer is much different at all from her work computer, maybe she's apprehensive about using it and making a mistake, breaking it, not really knowing how to use it etc.

maybe someone who has a laptop, could show her how to use that and then show her how much is similar between different brands, models, laptop vs desktop vs the mini netbooks designed to travel in backpacks? also, both our ym and yw plus a couple of area churches offer free or low cost computer classes aimed at senior citizens designed to make them more comfortable with using various styles and features of computers. would she be willing to learn, maybe if some "kind" soul showed her how much craft of her choice stuff can be found on the 'net...?

if not, then maybe it's time to retire.

kathy

sharpeimom:paw::paw: