Forced to Chart using another employee name

[Lvn31]

Hi, I am a LVN. I have been working at a clinic for over two weeks now and I still have not received my user credentials for there EMR system. I have not been formally trained in using there software either, yet I have been working independently since my first day on the job! When I arrive to work I have to ask another employee to log in me into the system. And to make matters worse, it's The medical assistants that have to log me in. The nursing supervisor refused to allow me to use her log in info, she told me "ask the medical assistant to log you in".

I have asked them numerous times when will I get my own login and their response is that due to them switching to a different software in 2020, they are backed up and can't give me a date at this time. An employee told me that it took them over a month to give her own log in. This makes me feel really uncomfortable and I know the best response is to leave this circus of a job but I have mounting bills. I am so stressed and unhappy there already. I work with a doctor that is very demanding and quite unreasonable giving the circumstances. The doctor knows that I didnt get much orientation and no formal training using their EMR system, yet the They are so demanding.

I just feel like there is no one to protect nurses from employers who put them in very precarious situations. I know this can't be legal charting using someone's name?!? But what am I to do when I need a job to pay my bills?!? And yes, the nurse managers and supervisors all know and agree to this. It seems like it is common practice for this company.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse for over six years and never experienced this. Every job that I've had I would get my EMR training ang log in within the first week of employment. And I would have to shadow someone until I was able to get access on my own. It has always been forbidden to let anyone use your name to sign in. That is why I am so perplexed by this company encouraging this to take the place. This is clearly illegal. I am just so shocked and disgusted by this. I feel like an accomplice to a crime. No one should have to be forced to jeopardize their license for a job! I am in such a tough situation. I've literally been crying for days because of this. I was out of work for six weeks before I got this job. I take care of myself completely. I have no spouse or parent to help me out financially. Being out of work for those weeks have completely depleted my savings. I can't take another month or even two weeks without an income. Sigh!

What if you include your name and title at the beginning or end of your note? And include in your note the fact that Whoever, CNA logged you in, per Manager SusieQ, RN's directive. That way, you will at least have indicated that your are the one charting and you will have stated why you are under someone else's name.

I don't quite see how you are jeopardizing your license.

What do you think you should do? What do you think of the advice you have received here so far?

[EllaBella1, BSN]

I would start looking for another job immediately, and I would also report that facility to the board of nursing once you leave. The fact that they are asking you to chart as a nurse under the name of an unlicensed person is just wrong.

[mtmkjr, BSN]

I would say the facility is at risk more than you are. Make sure you have documentation that you have done your part to request your login and express your concern.

"If it it wasn't documented it wasn't done" stands true, although in this case, "if it was documented by an MA, it was done by an MA". That looks very bad for the facility. What are they thinking???

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don't quite see how you are jeopardizing your license.

Falsification of a medical record. It is not the MA who is documenting. A disclaimer that so-and-so is documenting doesn't prove much beyond someone typing that line. What is done under a login is the responsibility of the person with the login.

[Chrispy11, ASN, RN]

Generally these logons are in the works before your first day. Using a system conversion is not an excuse. IT needs the appropriate permissions from someone in management as part of security and then its a matter of minutes to create an ID. Been through this multiple times over my career with many different companies and it seems this is pretty standard. Someone is yanking your chain. If they're this disorganized getting you and ID and not even teaching you the system, the disorganization will probably carry over into other functions. Doesn't sound like a good place to work for. Are they not going to pay you because you're not in the system?

[Alex_RN, BSN]

Stay strong. We do what we have to do and life is often unfair. Think about your self care and try to take good care of yourself. Pack good lunches and be kind to yourself whenever you can. I started regular fitness walking on my days off to help with the stress. Vent when you can but don't let it poison the rest of your life.

I had a horrible job for 18 months and one thing I noticed was that my coworkers were very closed off to me due to the work environment. I was always friendly and helpful but it took almost 9 months before people would start to say, "hello" back and treat me like a person. It did help me be less miserable when they finally warmed up to me.

That was a handful of years ago and I am perfectly happy at a different hospital now. You will get through this.

[cleback]

I would add a comment to every entry your name and credentials... while you look for another job.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Falsification of a medical record. It is not the MA who is documenting. A disclaimer that so-and-so is documenting doesn't prove much beyond someone typing that line. What is done under a login is the responsibility of the person with the login.

OK, thanks.

OP, get a statement in writing from the person logging you in. That person should state that, per Ms. or Mr. Supervisor, RN, she is logging you in. Then keep that paper.

OP, also get a written statement from the boss that she/he is having Whoever, MA log you in for charting because whatever reason. And keep that paper.

Talk to a couple of lawyers to get their take on it.

Good luck.