Family Member admitted to my LTC

[sweetsleep28]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I looked around but could not find anything previously discussed on this situation. My Uncle was admitted to the LTCF that I work at. I had not seen him in 5+ years prior to him being admitted. Too make a long story short, there is some serious bad blood/family drama taking place within my family. My father and this Uncle have almost to come to blows at one point. I am very uncomfortable being assigned to his unit. In fact it makes very uncomfortable with him just being in the facility due to the fact that I am not in contact with family members that I have no seen/talked to in years. This may be a dumb question. But as a nurse am I required to take care of him because he is a resident there? I fear for my license honestly because another Uncle of mine who is his POA and my father as well as my self have had issues with each other. All of this drama stems from my grandmother passing and all of her children fighting over her estate. I'm afraid that if the Uncle who is the POA as some type of issue with his care that he will try to blame it on my in a sense. My faclity is fully aware that he is my uncle but continues to try and assign me to his unit. What should I do about this situation if there is anything I can do? Thank you for your time.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I would go to the HR and your boss and say you cannot be assigned to this unit as it is a conflict of interest and personal aggression issues with immediate family members and that your safety may be compromised. YOu will work another floor but not the one he is on.

The other problem is that this is LONG TERM. You need to decide if it is worth remaining at this facility or need to find other employment.

I wish you the best.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I don't see why they assign you to his area when they know you are related... Makes no sense. I would put something in writing explaining that since you are related you find caring for him to be a conflict of interest. Make sure HR, the DON, the assistant DOB, and maybe even the Omb. get a copy of this.. That way IF anything would happen you have documentation that you asked to not be assigned there.

[caliotter3]

If your employer will not honor your request to avoid this person, it will be up to you to find another job.

[minnymi]

I've always been told that I'm not allowed to care for patients that I know unless it is a very distant relationship (like we went to church together in the past) and even then i could refuse OR they would ask the patient's permission. I assumed it was this way everywhere. Is this just my facility policy, or is it actually on the books?

I can't believe this is even an issue. I'm pretty sure you have a right to refuse being assigned to him d/t conflict of interest and patient confidentiality. I wouldn't feel like my medical record was very confidential if my niece had full access and to some extent 'authority' over it.