Help! Accused of verbal abuse.

[nurse.pammy]

I've been a nurse for 15 years and yesterday my DON called and informed me that a resident has aledged that I verbally abused him on more than one occasion. She told me I am suspended pending investigation outcome and not to report to work until I hear from her. I work in Assisted Living and the resident is very alert although has multiple psych diagnosis (anxiety, depression). I was not even asked to give a statement! Has anyone gone through anything like this??

[suespets]

I heard from management that suspensions are for the protection of both parties; if your not there ,no further injury can be caused to either parties,from 1 to the other.this time is supposed to be used to get to the butt of the matter.

[suespets]

i've heard thatsuspension of employee is for the good of both parties ,untill the issue can be dealt with properly,completely. if your not there,ther can be no futher injury to either party involved. I would not sign anything, not even if told "this is just a letter stateing you've read the complaint"

[MQ Edna]

This happens ALL the time where I work. It's called "being on the bench".... except we are allowed to report work when this happens... we just have to sit in a room on "non-client contact" for our shift until the duration of the investigation is over... so we still get paid. Most of the time is bs, but the MUST investigate every allegation no matter how absurd.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I didn't know that was a law but don't you think if a DON had faith that the person was innocent they'd ask what happened and then be a little bit more reassuring to the employee. I know I would.

A reasonable person sure would. But many DON have severe mental/personality issues, especially in LTC.