Elopement........ahhh help

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I had a resident, well escape on me tonight. I got a phone call from the local PD stating they found resident and were transferring to the local hospital. I had seen this resident about 45 minutes prior to phone call ambulating in the hallway. This happened at the end of dinner, as I was setting up all my tube feeders. We were working one nurse short tonight so I had about 15 extra residents to take care of, down two halls. After investigating I believe a non-staff member turned off the door alarm (resident had a wander device on) because no one heard the alarm go off. I was just wondering if anyone has had this happen?? What happens when state comes in?? I have been beating myself up all night....I know I didn't do anything wrong, but I feel I should have done something more. The resident only got a scratch from the evenings adventure..thank God!! I just feel so inadequate at the moment, could I have done something?? What do I do now??

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Where Mama is (the alzheimer's unit) has the keypad thingy. As long as she's been there the code has been the same. I have trouble hitting the keys and getting to the push bar quick enough with my cane. One of the residents "Sam" said to me once the code is * * * * # and then entered the code and held the door for me. Now Sam has alzheimer's too, but he remembers just enough. Their escape sound is "reveille" and it's LOUD! http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/milsounds/reveille.ram

Funny thing, Mama wandered when she lived alone, when she lived with me, but is happy to stay put where she lives now.

Specializes in Skilled rehab,surgical,ICU/trauma/burns.

lol, one night i was passing meds and i had a cna run up to me almost yelling that one of my patients had 'escaped' i followed his trail all the way outside to the front of the hospital where the patient was sitting across the street on the corner indian style watching traffic go by. Note: this is about 11:00 at night. I sat indian style next to him, offered him a cookie, and small talked him for a few minutes all the way back to bed. i dont think he realized what had happened until i had left to go home a few moments later. wuhahaha.

Specializes in Skilled rehab,surgical,ICU/trauma/burns.

a friend of mine i work with was called by the local bar next to the hospital with the complaint of a person in a hospital gown and id tag ordering drinks......

a friend of mine i work with was called by the local bar next to the hospital with the complaint of a person in a hospital gown and id tag ordering drinks......

:yeah: :yeah: So, what did he order?!

Specializes in Skilled rehab,surgical,ICU/trauma/burns.

an appletini, lol, i asked her, but she wasnt sure. after she got done with him or her im sure it was a straight double jack :)

Well state was in, still not sure of the outcome. But they did say it appears that I had all my stuff in order and that this was not my fault. Just waiting to see the final decision

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