What do you think of this?

[willie2001]

An elderly lady was admitted to our M/S a few days ago with chest pain R/O MI. Yesterday, her family was having a Christmas party that she really wanted to attend. The doc was not ready to discharge her but evidently told the patient and her family that she could go to the party. The patient's nurse (not me) was not aware of this arrangement. The doc did not write an order because he did not want it on the record for insurance reasons. The nurse got back from lunch and went to do her assessment of this patient, only to find that she was not in her room. The patient's family had taken her out and not told anyone that they were doing so. The shift supervisor evidently knew of the arrangement and only then told the patient's nurse about the family taking her to the party. The supervisor also told her not to document anything and just look the other way. My question is, is this a case of elopement? The patient was not discharged. She returned to us after the party. The patient's nurse was very concerned that if something would have happened to her patient during this outing that her license would have been in jeopardy, along with that of the doctor and nursing supervisor. If this had been my patient, I would have charted up the wazzoo to cover my butt, regardless of the advice from the supervisor. What does anyone else think of this situation? I would appreciate comments. Thanks!

[workinurse@aol.]

I do agree with documenting whatever is needed to keep out of court.

The stress of worrying about going to court is damaging to our bodies, the stress of being in court would be much more injurious.

Stress hormones cause actual physical damage, not the least of which is physical changes to the brain, (amygdula and hyppocampus)

I think we need laws to relieve our stress when patients and doctors decide to customize care.

Stress is killing us.

[willie2001]

Workinurse; yes patient's are customers, as are the physicians, nurses, visitors, etc. At least that is suppose to be the policy at my hospital. Everyone is a customer. Everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect. I think it showed a real lack of respect to this patient's nurse to have her license to potentially put in jeopardy It really makes me angrier the more I think about it and it did'nt even happen to me, but to one of my co-workers who is a relatively new nurse. I guess I had better cool off before those stress hormones start to get me!

[Mijourney]

Hi. I agree with the previous posters. I particularly agree with the point that if the patient was well enough to leave the premises to go to a party, she should have been discharged. She could have been admitted to home health if she needed follow-up. What do you think hoolahan? The failure to have her sign and her family cosign some type of release form should warrant a great deal of concern. I too would have to at the very least document an occurence or incident report. Fiesty, if you're reading, what's your opinion?