Falsely Accused Of Patient Neglect

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

Suspended Falsely Accused

3 weeks ago I had helped a pt who was high fall risk who needed to use the bathroom and I used my nursing judgment and suggested she use a bedpan instead of walking to the bathroom because she was also complaining that she can't move her knee. A CNA and I placed pt on bedpan and later took her off and no complaints whatsoever. Son was in the room at the time. Next day I go to work am told I can't work because pt son complained that I was careless with his mom, forced her to use a bedpan and that I "grabbed" her hand when rolling her over on one side to place a bed pan. There's no other way to roll her over other than hold her hand. I asked her to give me her hand which she did and I did not grab her like am being accused of. Then the manager said that the pt son recorded me which I thought was weird. I asked if I can see the recording to see what I did wrong they refused. Am really stressing over this and I need advice. I have never done and procedural thing without asking pt permission and I wasn't forceful at all in any way shape or form. I have not seen the CNA I worked with that night since I have been suspended for 3 weeks. She was also agency I haven't seen her before that night. Need advice. 

Specializes in Quality Control,Long Term Care, Psych, UM, CM.

It's just horrible how someone can make up accusations about a healthcare worker and we are guilty until proven innocent.  I wish I knew a solution to this problem, it's something we all have to fight for as this falls under better working conditions (IMO).  I understand there are bad healthcare workers, but most of us are good and it's ridiculous how one lie can ruin you.

Consult with an attorney, many offer free/low cost consultations.  Even if you don't have the money, try to find enough to retain one if you think you'll be reported to the BON.  Also, look for another job, anything out of direct care is great (insurance companies, hospice CM, admission nurse for home care).  I've never been accused of anything, but I've seen colleagues go thru it and it's one of the reasons why I'm no longer in that setting.  I simply don't have the money/time/mental energy to defend myself against bitter/angry/lying family (and patients).

3 Votes
Specializes in RN.

Thank you all for listening to my issues and providing a lot of great advice. Unfortunately I am still on suspension since the 19th of August. I called yesterday to speak with my DON and all she said is that she has not heard back from HR and that I have not yet been cleared to go back to work. It’s been a month and I am really confused and stressed out on what to do. There’s no communication on what decision has been made and now I can’t work or pay my bills. 

On 9/13/2022 at 3:07 PM, Anna0029 said:

The son did not excuse himself when I suggested we were going to place her mother on a bedpan. He stayed there watching. 

Next time ask the visitor to step out. 

2 Votes
Specializes in ICU, ER, Med/Surg, Home Health, Hospice,Step Down,.

My advice is find another job immediately and don't look back. Noone should stay at a facility that would do this to them.  You do not owe them anything especially since they have treated you this way.

5 Votes
On 9/11/2022 at 8:44 AM, Davey Do said:

I commiserate with your situation, Ana, and experienced a similar situation at the state hospital back in'92.

I too, was suspended for two weeks for client neglect/abuse AND for speaking inappropriately to a doctor.

Since I was not working, I applied for IDES unemployment benefits. There was a fact-finding session, and the adjudicator ruled the suspension was not warranted. I received a week's worth of benefits, since there is a waiting week where no benefits are paid.

So, I had documentation by a government agency to the effect I was not guilty of the accusations.

I also filed a grievance with the INA (Illinois Nurses Association) and had the accusations sponged from my record. INA also got me back pay for the two weeks that I was suspended.

I hope the best for you, Ana.

expunged

On 9/15/2022 at 7:55 PM, Aloe_sky said:

Next time ask the visitor to step out. 

The son sounds like a jerk.  Why didn't he say something at the time?????!

1 Votes
On 9/15/2022 at 11:05 AM, Anna0029 said:

Thank you all for listening to my issues and providing a lot of great advice. Unfortunately I am still on suspension since the 19th of August. I called yesterday to speak with my DON and all she said is that she has not heard back from HR and that I have not yet been cleared to go back to work. It’s been a month and I am really confused and stressed out on what to do. There’s no communication on what decision has been made and now I can’t work or pay my bills. 

Go work somewhere else.  Say absolutely nothing to any new employer about this issue.  You just want extra work.

I feel you, just move on & don't think about it too much, its OK to think about it to avoid repeating the same "mistake" if you will. just make sure to leave them a TERRIBLE review anywhere you get your hands on... also include all the names on your review to make other nurses aware! 

they cant report you to BON, pt wasn't harmed. It's just the "impression" of the son that your weren't gentle, plus his testimony IF goes anywhere is out the window the moment he recorded you without a consent! I'm not a lawyer but I know that much!

I wouldnt worry about it, let them KISS your *** & grow some skin!

 

1 Votes
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 hour ago, Kooky Korky said:

expunged...

...with a sponge.

3 Votes
Specializes in RN.

Thank you all for commenting and giving me great advice. I got all call to return to work and meet with the manager and HR “to conclude” the investigation. I was told I will be put back on schedule. I feel terrible to have been treated this way and I want to leave the place but unfortunately at the moment I cannot just pick up and go. In March this year I got a devastating breast cancer diagnosis and applied for intermittent FMLA which was approved. My FMLA ends in June 2023. Am getting chemotherapy at the moment but am able to work when I feel good since my chemo is every 3 weeks hence the intermittent leave. Am also depending on my insurance through work to pay for me medical needs. It’s been tough and that’s why it’s a dilemma to just pick up and go. My chemotherapy ends in October then I will have surgery in November and radiation in December so I need my job at least until my treatment is done. 

8 Votes
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

You are a brave soul, Anna, and I wish the very best for you.

3 Votes
5 hours ago, elite_1 said:

I feel you, just move on & don't think about it too much, its OK to think about it to avoid repeating the same "mistake" if you will. just make sure to leave them a TERRIBLE review anywhere you get your hands on... also include all the names on your review to make other nurses aware! 

they cant report you to BON, pt wasn't harmed. It's just the "impression" of the son that your weren't gentle, plus his testimony IF goes anywhere is out the window the moment he recorded you without a consent! I'm not a lawyer but I know that much!

I wouldnt worry about it, let them KISS your *** & grow some skin!

 

Bad mouthing people and places on social media will come back to bite you. 

resist the temptation to do it.

 

And no employer will be kissing any part of you or growing any skin.  YOU are the one who will suffer if you are rude to them.  Just swallow it and move on.

In some states, recording is legal as long as someone knows it is being done.  And that one can be the recorder.  Ridiculous law but there it is. 
 

Glad things appear to be resolved.  Best wishes with the cancer situation.

1 Votes
5 hours ago, Davey Do said:

...with a sponge.

Why confuse her?  No sponge is involved.

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