Contract canceled

[Nurse1218]

Someone I worked with recently had their contract canceled. The accusation was they witnessed a patient being abused. Per the nurse...They weren't in the room with the patient....another staff member that is in charge of controlling the milleu responded to the upset patient. The patient wasnt harmes but the staff was very overly aggressive with the patient. The nurse didn't witness the extent of the interaction between the staff and the patient as they were working on getting agitation medications to for the patient. The thing is the camera shows the nurse looking in that direction briefly. When told by their agency their contract was being canceled they also told the nurse the facility was reporting the nurse to the BON. 

Any suggestions on what the nurse should do next?

 

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Get another contract and don't worry about it. 

[JohnHood, BSN]

If she is investigated by the board, my best advice is to be honest. Tell them exactly what you heard or witnessed. Tell them exactly what you were doing at the time. The board is a lot more understanding and willing to work with you if you are honest and upfront. If you witnessed actual abuse. You should report it yourself as it is required.

[EdieBrous, BSN, MSN]

Get legal advice before talking to anyone.  Nursing board investigations are no joke and you should be represented.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Contact your nursing malpractice insurance carrier immediately for advice.  BON contact to nurses after incident reported to them can be several weeks-months so write down details of event, include any incident report provided to facility, followup to management re staffs behavior, etc. The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) can be checked for lawyer with BON experience in your area.