Harassment by pt or families?

AnnemRN · Jul 26, 2013

Do you have your social worker and chaplain involved? The situation sounds dangerous, I would refuse to go back for safety reasons, but I am also worried about the patient being exposed to her unstable son. In this situation, I would definitely make a referral to adult protective services.

MimiRN2013 · Jul 26, 2013

The SW goes thru it too with him, anyone who encounters him gets it. I think EPS is a good idea. However, Im also told we have nothing to report since she is being "cared for". Im thinking this was aslo her lifestyle, she seems comfortable with the activity in the house or she is oblivious. Like i said, even if I am taken off, the next nurse will just go in and have the same done to them. How can this just be stopped? Is the employer allowed to let us work in these conditions?

AnnemRN · Jul 26, 2013

I have made referrals to adult protective services if I have any concerns regarding patient safety even if the patient is being cared for. In the past, I had a pt who was being cared for by a live in caregiver. The caregiver kept her clean and fed, environment was clean etc. I just felt that the pt appeared fearful, but she wouldn't say anything negative. I made a referral to APS who followed up and it was found the caregiver was performing financial abuse. Caregiver had pt sign over all her property to him, it later became a legal battle after the patient died and I was contacted by an attorney.

I would play it safe and make the referral and leave it up to APS to make determinations.

KtHospiceRNCM · Jul 27, 2013

When we have had these types of situations at my hospice, we simply require staff to "buddy up". If there is a CNA seeing the pt, the RN and CNA need to coordinate visits. Or SW/Chaplain if there is no CNA. Frequencies may need to be adjusted to accommodate, but for safety reasons and extra support for the pt and family, there is no reason it can not be justified (If your company get a bit fussy in that regard). I would refuse to go alone. By asking for someone to make ALL visits with you you are not refusing but are presenting an answer/option. Good luck!

MomRN0913 · Jul 27, 2013

Does your company provide escorts? I would take your biggest, baddest burly escort probably would keep his mouth shut and you would feel safer.

Definitely buddy up somehow, but if you really aren't comfortable, I would refuse the visit. Shame on your management for not protecting you.

My company did something crappy to me. Sent me to a very bad area with an escort. The escort says to me when we get there ". Woah, we are back here? This place was banned because when I was here on a visit there was a drive by right where we were". Apparently they " tried" out the area again with the new nurse who didn't know much about the area. Sad thing is, management only cares about money, not so much about its employees.

AnnemRN · Jul 28, 2013

I've had similar experiences where my agency sent me to discharge a pt "who was threatening to shoot the nurses." Thanks guys!! I also had a security guard who asked me to pick him up before we went into a very bad part of town to admit a known gang member to our service. The guard stated "I don't want any gang members following me home." I guess it was okay for them to follow me home. I agree that our safety is not always of utmost importance.

HillieRN · Jul 28, 2013

Where I work I've been told we are to call the local police for an escort if needed. It has been done once or twice but not since I've been there.

MimiRN2013 · Jul 30, 2013

Thanks for the support/advice all :)

TammyG · Aug 6, 2013

If your supervisor is not responding appropriately to your concerns, I would suggest making a written complaint to HR. If your company knows that you are being sexually harassed during your assignment by a third party, they are responsible for taking you out of that situation or taking steps to protect you. The EEOC has made clear that your employer must "take appropriate and immediately corrective action" once they are told that you are being harassed. I am shocked that they have done nothing; this is a potentially dangerous safety and legal issue. Neither you or the social worker should be subjected to this -- either with or without an escort. This is not the 1950's.

snicuradrn · Jul 5, 2014

Our hospice would make the son sign a safety contract. If he violates it then hospice services would be revoked for the patient. Even though that may make it harder for the patient to live and die with less quality sometimes you have to put it on the line for your safety. Does your organization have one of these type of contracts, if not ask if that is something to consider and document, document, document, you must CYA so that God forbid if something would happen there is a written record to track the behaviors.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2014

Write an incident report. Keep a copy.

Tell the manager "I am not going back there. It is not safe." Do not back down.

There are many other jobs out there.