Client accuses all nurses of stealing

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Specializes in LTCF PDN.

Hi. Thank you for reading.

Among other things the clients family member is always accusing the nurses of stealing. He's always saying he is going to call State on this person or that person.

Not me yet, but I know it's coming.

I found out yesterday he Did call State about one of the nurses for stealing "care" supplies.

This is just one issue with his behaviors.

Do you consider this a biggie in deciding to stay or not?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Id document every little minutiae and ask the agency to reassign. There may be pathology there where the patient is paranoid regarding possessions but do you want to defend your innocence before the state

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I would request not to go back before I'm accused of theft. If the relative is accusing all of the nurses of theft, why is the client still being serviced?

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Since you know that it is coming, beat the client to the punch by finding a new case. You don't deserve the accusation and the aggravation that goes along with it. Not to mention the day to day discomfort of having to deal with this negative person. I've worked with nurses who steal. The clients had the good sense not to point fingers at everyone once it was determined who the culprit was. I wouldn't stay if they were accusing me.

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Specializes in LTCF PDN.

Oh now it's what drugs are you giving him? How much? (More of an interrogation). Why isnt his feeding bag fuller (well because youve been standing over me ranting for the last 15 minutes). You know he needs this and this and I can get him tested to see if you nurses are giving his meds and simethicone! And That nurse is going to the Pen, the other one stole that and on and on and on.

I have a call to the DON. Wow today was rough. Yup I think the unsaid drug accusation was enough for me. I've got nothing to hide but it's quite stressful.

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Get out of there immediately. If the agency does not have immediate substitute work, apply for unemployment benefits. The unemployment people will understandably approve your benefits once they hear that the wacko client was making unfounded accusations. Go to another agency if your present agency does not cooperate with you.

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Specializes in LTCF PDN.

Thank you. Things have gone from bad to worse. I did not want to go back but I do not have anything else right now. So I will try to stick it out until I find something unless I just can't take it which I'm kind of there. I really wished clients parents would understand that we would be better nurses for them if we were not caused undue stress.

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Are there no other agencies in your area? There is a point where being unemployed is better than the situation. Don't get pushed past that line.

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