Patient Abuse

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

Sorry about the length of this thread, and the lack of information,

This happened a few months ago, so I'm now over the shock, but, still dealing with some guilt. We had a CNA working in my LTC unit, he was an extremely slow worker. Everyone of my team tried to get him to pick up the pace. One night he went nuts, he physically touched another CNA and verbally molested a Nurse. He was removed from the building! The DON was informed ans he was suspended while an investigation was done. He quit that day.

When I returned to work from my scheduled off-days, I over heard a couple CNA's discussing this CNA. They suspected he had been sexually abusing certian patients, not having proof they never said a word about it to anyone else. I asked then about thier reasons for the suspisions, red lights began flashing all around me. I then wrote out all they had said and reported the whole thing. The DON when up the Ladder and it was reported to the state who came out and interviewed all the staff involved. I was told they took his licence.

I can't help but feel like I failed to protect my patients. How could I have not seen what was happening?? How do I prevent this from ever happening again?? I have been told that no charges will be pressed due to lack of actual evidence. He is now sueing the company for the loss of his licence. In the mean time we have in-serviced all staff on abuse and reporting it. WHat more could I have done??

[Jo Dirt]

His actions and ability to hide them for that long are not your fault.

[shellsgogreen]

from what you describe, sounds as though there was nothing to be suspicious about prior to the incident with the nurse and cna .

you reported him - you did more than anyone else did in this frightening situation -thank goodness you did.

[SillyStudent, ASN, RN]

You cannot kick yourself over this one. People who commit vile crimes against helpless patients do not inform the authority figure that they are doing it. You did exactly what you are supposed to do.

Too bad there is not enough evidence to put him in prison.(if he is guilty)

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

You did all you could. In the future you will be more aware and do an even better job.

Use your experience to watch for new problems and share/teach others whenever possible.

This will use your learning experience to benefit future patients and those that care for them.

[sharkdiver]

Hindsight is always 20/20. Sometimes things don't click until you get the bigger picture. The important thing is that when the alarms went off you took action, and as a result the chances of this person ever being in a position to abuse others again have been significantly diminished. Well done in my book!