Under investigation

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 19, 2018

If you're part of a union, get your union rep involved pronto. They are the ones to advise you as to whether or not there are cameras, how much weight this particular accuser carries, how your manager has resolved similar situations in the past, and numerous other things that may have a bearing.

broughden · Jul 19, 2018

It's a general question. As in, is it normally the standard for all hospitals. Advice would be nice before I barge in and try to defend myself. Thanks.

Why wouldnt you just ask at work then if they have cameras?

Qing · Jul 19, 2018

Okay as others have said... get your union involved ASAP. I had a bad experience several years ago when I first graduated nursing and passed the exams. DO NOT meet management or answer any questions without your union representative present. The union representative will help you with those questions about cameras, the process and next steps. HR will be involved and the last thing you need to do inadvertently say something they can use against you. There will be a difference when you involve the union, and management will be a lot more cautious in how they present themselves. You were surprised by this news and you need all the advice you can get to deal with this. Let the union help you because your emotions may get the best of you and leave you vulnerable to not act with a clear mind.

Ldy76 · Jul 20, 2018

Hey guys! Clare here. I can't believe I'm asking this question and this may be the difference between my job and being unemployed. I'm a CNA and I work in the cardiology unit on the third floor. I was told that I was under investigation due to another employee stating that I was not really charting my patient vitals. I work in Tennessee and it's a union hospital. Can anyone tell me if there are cameras in the unit/floors outside of the bedrooms? That may be the only thing keeping me from losing my job.

First of all, the accuser has to have some kind of proof that you didn't chart the vitals. Most hospitals have cameras in the hallways for the safety of the patients/staff/visitors. If you documented the vitals then there should be a computer/paper trail. If there isn't then you didn't do it.

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2018

If you are nervous about there being cameras, then that is your answer as to your "guilt". If you always do your job correctly, then it shouldn't matter if there are cameras (or not).

DowntheRiver · Jul 20, 2018

If you are nervous about there being cameras, then that is your answer as to your "guilt". If you always do your job correctly, then it shouldn't matter if there are cameras (or not).

Please re-read original post -

She isn't nervous about their being cameras, she's hoping there are cameras to help persuade that she is NOT guilty, showing that she did go into the rooms (at least).

KrysyRN, BSN · Jul 20, 2018

If you are nervous about there being cameras, then that is your answer as to your "guilt". If you always do your job correctly, then it shouldn't matter if there are cameras (or not).

I've been in a similar situation as the OP. I took a call from a patient and opened the patient's EMR to document the call and the conversation (phone triage). It was the last call I took that night. It was impossible to proceed with the call without opening up a computer record (phones and computers were linked). My documentation did not save on the computer. However, the audio from the phone call did save. When my nurse manager went to review my work, she couldn't find my EMR documentation. She thought I gave advice to the patient but took it upon myself not to document. She was smug when she told me my job was on the line. I knew there were cameras everywhere in the unit...you could see them. I told her to check the cameras because they would have captured me taking the call AND documenting on the computer. That was the end of the discussion, and the topic was not brought up again.

**I probably entered the info on the wrong pt's EMR and that's why it looked like I hadn't documented anything at all on the correct patient's EMR. What a lot of grief that caused. Camera footage may have saved my behind. Who knows.

Ben_Dover · Jul 20, 2018

Question is why worry when you know you did your job?

I'd be worried if I know I didn't do my job correctly and accurately with v/s.

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2018

Please re-read original post -
She isn't nervous about their being cameras, she's hoping there are cameras to help persuade that she is NOT guilty, showing that she did go into the rooms (at least).

I stand corrected.