Do I need to get a Lawyer?

[sunbeam888]

Hi there,

Need advice from you guys, I have a patient who keeps on attempting to stand up from his wheelchair, he is a fall risk. Every time the alarm sound I would check on him. This time the alarm is continuous so when I saw the patient he is already standing by himself. So to prevent himself from standing I place him on our nursing station desk with the wheelchair brakes on. When I came back to check he has already push himself backward to the point there is enough distance for him to stand up. This is where I decided to place a chair behind him to slow his movement so I have time to check him and prevent him from falling. (Place I work has a long hallway). Then the supervisor saw it and report this as a "Restraint" to the DON. Now my case is in the state for investigation.

My question is: Do I need a lawyer to face the State people? (when they call me)

Definitely my intention is for the well being and safety of the patient. I'm in a "no win" situation

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Hi there,

Need advice from you guys . .

My question is: Do I need a lawyer to face the State people? (when they call me) . .

My rule of thumb about engaging an attorney is that if you need to ask the question, you need a lawyer.

The other piece of advice that I would provide is to refrain from any further public disclosure of the details of your incident. Posting any details or even discussing them with a friend, no matter how benign it may seem, is unlikely to help you but certain could hurt.

Good luck to you.