Help!

[NickG, MSN, APRN]

I am an LPN (male) and just got a call from my manager that I am taken off the schedule this weekend because a female patient wrote a statement saying I "inappropriately fondled" her! I was taken back by this statement because I have done no such thing! I am working on an inpatient psych unit and am relatively new (6 months). I am a young fit male and my manager feels that she is targeting me. I believe this is because I refused to keep her doped up (she's late 50's with a 30 year heroin addiction and an extensive psych history). There is a long story to go along with all this, but simple fact is I didn't do what she is claiming I did. My manager told me to write a statement of my accounts of the incident (which I did, 3 pages worth) and hand it in to her on Monday. I am working for a union hospital if that matters. I am just lost as to what to do. I am not going to sleep a wink this weekend for fear my job/license is in jeopardy over some ****** off addict. Is there anything I can do or do I just wait it out and see where things go? Should I get a lawyer? Ahhhhh! Please give me some advice, I cannot afford to lose my job!

[nkara, CNA]

I would suggest contacting the union to represent you for this. A situation happened on my floor with an aide and he didn't have anything happen. They did investigate it but found the accusations false.

Good luck.

[aloevera]

I feel for you........I can't imagine that anyone will believe a pt. in a psych hospital over an RN......but do keep this in mind...you are dealing with very fragile, mentally ill people.....NEVER be in a room alone with a female...I don't even go in to the pts. rooms alone with a male or a female...

We had a borderline female that claimed one of the female nurses came on to her....small investigation then nothing became of it....that taught me to never be alone with any pt. in a psych hospital....

Get all that worked with you on that shift to back you up in writing that you had not done what the pt. wanted you to do....that was her reason for getting back at you....I am sure all will be well...........

Good luck and oh, I just saw the date of your post...How did it go??

[Jules A, MSN]

Sadly this happens often and we've even had several woman accusing female nurses also. Fortunately after investigation I can't recall one time where the nurse wasn't cleared. Good luck.