Did anyone ever refuse a trip w/patient?

Published

Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

Just need some advice. A coworker nurse of mine continually shows up on my day of work to help take the patient out on outings. She doesn't get paid, so family and patient are thrilled. For reference this patient cannot be taken out by one person any longer, needs at least two people. I did do a vacation with them eight years ago and things went ok but I don't want to go away again. Now she wants to do a loooong day trip, 3hr drive each way, to a Nascar race. I do not think this is appropriate for him nor do I want to be working 24 hrs straight. They say since I am scheduled I have to go where he (really her) wants. Anybody have any experience dealing with a bossy, overstepping nurse? I hate to leave this case.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Leave the case. Let her run the show by herself. I once was on a case where the family took the patient on a family camping trip each summer and nurses could go along if they wanted. I did not stay on the case long enough to decline the trip, but I certainly didn't feel like going camping with a ventilator dependent patient and their family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Just curious ... I assume you both work for an agency of some kind. Does the agency know that your co-worker is working on her scheduled days off and doing these things? That sounds like a huge violation of the professional relationship boundary -- and may be a legal liability risk for the agency.

Maybe you should talk to your supervisor about this situation and get his/her thoughts. This co-worker has put you in an awkward situation ... and may be putting the agency in a bad situation, too.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

She and patient hide it and say it's none of their concern. She is the only one to drive the patient to appts. Family does not and is glad someone else does it.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

The sad thing about this "encroachment", (one way of looking at part of the situation), is that if you make a report to the agency, they will likely do absolutely nothing, other than to put you in a bad light. BTW, the conflict of interest and liability sword cuts in both directions.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
Just curious ... I assume you both work for an agency of some kind. Does the agency know that your co-worker is working on her scheduled days off and doing these things? That sounds like a huge violation of the professional relationship boundary -- and may be a legal liability risk for the agency.

Maybe you should talk to your supervisor about this situation and get his/her thoughts. This co-worker has put you in an awkward situation ... and may be putting the agency in a bad situation, too.

Agreed!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.
The sad thing about this "encroachment", (one way of looking at part of the situation), is that if you make a report to the agency, they will likely do absolutely nothing, other than to put you in a bad light. BTW, the conflict of interest and liability sword cuts in both directions.

Yes, I am pretty sure they will do nothing if I complain. I am going to refuse this "trip". The mom and nurse can take him themselves if they want. If family wants me to leave because of this, that's ok, but I am not voluntarily quitting. Will keep everyone posted.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Showing up on her days off sounds like she is getting paid under the table by the patient's family. That doesn't make her your supervisor when you're scheduled to work. I would refuse to accompany her on her days off and I would let your employer know what is happening.

This smells like a huge liability snafu and I wouldn't want to be involved in any way.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

My mind is blown by this. I don't work HH, but I can't imagine this nurse is working for free. I agree with TriciaJ, this nurse is probably working under the table.

My mom did private duty for 15 years. The pt preferred my mom and requested her for trips, etc. My mom was always paid for every minute.

Fishy stuff.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I am 100% sure she works for free. She has no family and is bored. Plus the patient's family is destitute.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I am 100% sure she works for free. She has no family and is bored. Plus the patient's family is destitute.

It would still be a liability issue. Suppose while you are on work time you go on one of the outings that she is doing for free. Something bad happens to the patient. Can she be held responsible or not? You would be the easy one to throw under the bus.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I refused the trip to the family and other nurse. I think they are not going to travel since the mom doesn't want to go with them. Patient & family are not angry about my refusal. I could care less what the other nurse thinks. I am also rethinking the liability issues that TriciaJ brought up since I am the one on the clock when we do these "outings".

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion