I had a recent situation and just want someone else's advice on it. I am GN and just started my job on a neuro-step down floor. I am still orienting to the floor and have been working with the same preceptor for a few weeks now.
On my second day on the floor, we were working with a very heavy stroke patient (380 lbs.) My preceptor and I had to get this patient from the bed to the commode. We moved him to the commode, but it was extremely difficult to get this patient strapped properly to the toilet, so my preceptor just grabbed a couple pillows to prop him, in place (then closed the door).
A few minutes later there is a large thud; the patient fell and struck his head on the floor; blood is all over.
Later on, the hospital risk manager questions my preceptor about how this happened. She explained that she had secured the patient to the toilet as required by hospital policy, but the patient must have loosened the belt on her own. The risk manager asked me whether that is what happened and I was just so scared that I stupidly nodded my head in agreement.
The next day the patient is interviewed the next day and asked if he loosened the safety belt and she affirms that she did. (The patient had a large swelling on the side of his head and had to stay an extra 2 days in the hospital, but there seems to have been no permanent injury.)
Now I am so bothered by the fact that I have conspired in a lie, and I think that I ought to correct the record.
I spoke with my preceptor about my concerns and she told me to keep me mouth shut because we both would be in very serious trouble since we had both lied (and the man is OK anyway).
What should I do?
I just started this job and I don't want to lose it. I know this was such a stupid mistake to make. I'm so confused.. I'm losing sleep over this every night..
