Co Worker Abandoned Patients Last Night

Published

I guess one of the other nurses just reached her burn-out point. She cussed out a patient and walked off the unit (WITH the narcotic keys!)...

Just curious, is this something that a nurse automatically loses her license for? How would your place of work handle that? I was floated to her hall to assume her patients (who were very angry by then!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS coordinator, hospice, ortho/ neuro.

It could be considered abandonment if she just left without telling anyone ( like the supervisor) that she was leaving.

If she did just leave without telling anyone then your employer could report her to the state. But I don't know if its an automatic suspension, you'd have to check your states regulations.....but it could definitely bring on the unpleasant attention of the Board of Nursing.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurseabandonment.htm

http://www.msbn.state.ms.us/p14.htm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS/Tele/Urgent Care.

yes you can lose your license becasue that is patient abandonment!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Typically an investigation by the BON is done, and the situation looked at. Many other charges can be filed as well....like the patient or patients family can get that nurse for harrassment, neglect, unsafe practice, abuse, malpractice.... Charges from the BON can also range this way as well....so it can be a double whammy from state and family!

If there was violence or physical harm to the patient, the police too can get involved and charges pressed in addition!!!

Loose your license...I would be far more worried about all the charges one can get...loosing your license is just a minimum probelm considering what the state, police, family can do to ya! Possible jail time too...

Yep...abandoning a patient is BAD news!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion