Feeling like a scapegoat, common in nursing??

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I will try to make this simple and to the point but I guess I must warn you that it could turn into a long vent.

It was brought to my attention yesterday that I missed 2 coumadin doses for one of my patients. I knew right away that I hadn't. I always double check (and sometimes triple check) my MAR at the end of the shift to make sure everything was signed and that I didn't miss anything. The patient in question was having their coumadin held because the INR came back at 4.2. All I was told in report was to hold the coumadin. Noone said anything about an order as to when it was to be restarted. THERE WAS NO ORDER PUT IN THE MAR TO RESTART THE COUMADIN OVER THE WEEKEND. THe patient was having their PT/INR rechecked on Mon. morning. There was also no coumadin in the med cart that would make me question anything. When I went into work yesterday they (the RN charge nurses) said that I missed the coumadin order and after I said there wasn't an order they took me over to the MAR where all of a sudden an order magically appeared. They wrote it up that the med was to be started over the weekend and of course my initials weren't there ...again, because THE ORDER WAS NOT THERE OVER THE WEEKEND!! I know these supervisors came in on Monday and realized THEY didn't fax the order to the pharmacy and didn't put the order in the MAR so they did what they had to to cover their a$$. I feel totally shafted here. I told the DON that the order wasn't there but of course here I am a new LPN going against the word of 2 RNs who have 50 years of experience between the 2 of them. I feel like we (the newer LPNS) are any easy target. If I make an honest error i will definatley take responsibility. I feel that being accountable for our actions is a huge responsibility in nursing. I am sure I will make errors, I would hope not too, but I have yet to meet a "perfect" nurse. I just can't believe that people I thought were my "friends" would use me as a scapegoat to cover their own actions. I guess I got my first dose of the "nasty side of nursing". Not an experience I will forget any time soon.

Thanks for listening!!

36_19_5.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×
36_19_5.gif

Oh that is just the saddest smiley face ever!

{{{{{HUUUUUUGS}}}}}} to you luvmy2angels! :icon_hug:

You obviously have the heart and soul of a nurse. It's tough to accept, especially when you are kind and honest yourself, that not everyone will treat you the same way. It's sad and more than a little scary to be honest. Hang in there though - your patients need nurses like you! Don't let them bruise your spirit and get you down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiology-now CTICU.

crappy situation. they are falsifying a medical record. if i were you i would look for another job. i wouldn't feel comfortable working with ppl who feel ok lying and blaming someone else. what will it be next time? will you lose your license because of them? seriously. get. out. dishonest people suck. in the meantime document, document, document.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm guessing you work in long term care so there is no carbon copy of the MAR that would have been torn out at the end of the day?

I've seen people lie to cover their own butt, from doctors on down the line.

I would write out an occurence report stating your side of the story, that the order was not on the MAR, and turn it in.

Can you call the pharmacy and ask them what time they received the faxed order? That may be your proof that the order wasn't on the MAR.

As one poster suggested you may want to get another job, particularly if you can prove via the pharmacy that you are correct.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, call the pharmacy - that's a good idea! I agree that I'd be looking for another job - just because those two have years of experience doesn't mean that they can't make mistakes.

I still make mistakes occasionally - the best thing to do is admit it when you do, and do what you can to rectify it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case Management.

I agree. It would be very hard for these 2 RN's to drop the ball, then pick it up and throw it at your head with out some kind of paper trail to back up your story. I would not let this go. If that is happening it is just wrong and needs to be corrected. You have to defend your license, and they are not right to make a mistake, then cover it up and go so far as to accuse you in the middle of it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Any update?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion