Told to fake vital signs

[gypsierose]

This question is for LTC nurses: I took a summer CNA job at a local nursing home that is chronically understaffed and has no equipment for taking vital signs. Maybe there was once an oximeter but nobody knows where it is. The nurse gave me a list of residents to get vital signs on and no equipment to do so. When I pointed out that there was no equipment, I told "the other aides do it- make it happen". Turns out the other aides just write down numbers and don't actually take vital signs. I've worked in some real crappy SNFs before but never have I been asked to fake vital signs. As a nurse, wouldn't that worry you that your aides are blatantly lying to you? Is this common?? Some of the aides have bought their own equipment but for the pennies they are paying me I can't afford that. I'm told asking management for equipment is a losing battle.

[chacha82, ADN, BSN]

Stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200...time to turn in your notice and work somewhere else. Even if it's Pizza Hut or a car wash, totally non-healthcare, do that until you find a better environment. There are other options and why risk your CNA livelihood?

[Meowzers]

Absolutely not. When you chart something, you are signing a legal document, even for something as simple as vitals. You are legally responsible for what is on that chart, and can be held legally accountable if you purposefully chart something that isn't accurate. I was recently told a story of a nurse who didn't count respirations for a full minute, she just entered the usual "16" and moved on - therefore the Rothman index wasn't accurate, and couldn't warn of an upcoming code. The patient died and the nurse was held accountable.

I'd look for employment elsewhere. If they are faking vital signs, Lord knows what else they are doing that isn't on the up and up.

[/username, BSN, RN]

Get the **** out of there yesterday. Leave. Now. RUN. FOR. THE. HILLS.

One of the few things nurses actually lose their licenses for is falsifying documentation. If you are not a nurse, it could prevent you from ever becoming a nurse, if that was your goal. Report them to the state and CMS. NOW.

[amzyRN]

A patient chart is a legal document. Technically to lie is to perjure oneself, no? I wouldn't do that, plus you'll know you didn't take vital signs. It is unethical. I would tell them you need equipment to take vitals and that you are unwilling to document things that did not happen in a legal document.

[/username, BSN, RN]

A patient chart is a legal document. Technically to lie is to perjure oneself, no? I wouldn't do that, plus you'll know you didn't take vital signs. It is unethical. I would tell them you need equipment to take vitals and that you are unwilling to document things that did not happen in a legal document.

Perjury is only applicable in a courtroom after being duly sworn, or lying re: an affidavit. While it is ethically wrong, and violates many hospital policies and laws, I'm pretty sure it falls short of perjury.

[PricelessRN, MSN]

A nurse should be responsible for obtaining his/her own vital signs when giving meds with perimeters. CNAs should only be assigned routine vital signs.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I might make a note n the chart "unable to assess temp, no thermometer on unit." "Unable to assess bp, no cuff on unit" "Unable to assess o2sat, no pulse ox on unit" Then document respirations and take a radial pulse manually. I would do this after informing someone though.

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

Where do you live? Make an anoymous report the the state and JACHO of its the US...oh and find a job now because you likely will be fired because they will prob figure it was you, but you do not want to work there at all.

[caliotter3]

I might make a note n the chart "unable to assess temp, no thermometer on unit." "Unable to assess bp, no cuff on unit" "Unable to assess o2sat, no pulse ox on unit" Then document respirations and take a radial pulse manually. I would do this after informing someone though.

While this action is entirely warranted, it will surely result in your termination.

[donsterRN, ASN, BSN]

I'm going to have to echo the poster who said get the **** out now.

These people (your management) aren't providing you with the basic standard equipment to assess the most basic of patient information. They obviously do not care one whit about those poor residents. I can assure you that they don't care about you.

Please. You seem to be a responsible, caring individual who wants to do the right thing. The first step I see is to get out now.

[Enurse1234]

Agreed ^ its your job to also protect patients.

[Swellz]

My old staff job fired multiple techs/CNAs for making up vital signs. That's insanity.