I am accused of patient of giving meds against his will.

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Hi everyone. I was accused of patient of giving him meds against his will. Because of this, I was placed on suspension. I went to DON and explained that this patient has always been unfriendly towards me to unknown reason. She asked me if the patient indicated that he did not want his meds, and I said that he did not. I was asked to describe everything in writing, and this is what I did. I was told that they filed an abuse form and that they will investigate. I told them that this patient has a hx of aggressive behavior towards staff. I also stated that I have been a nurse for some time, and I would never give someone meds against their will. I never had an accusation like this before.

Could you guys give me an advice on what else I can do to protect myself? Can I loose my job because of this? If they send the form with accusations to the state, how can I protect myself from unfair accusation? What else can I do to influence DON to believe me?

Please advice.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

First, if you have malpractice/liablity insurance contact your carrier now for advice. This is exactly what they are there for, should the case move forward with the board of nursing most personal professional liability plans include profvisions for nursing license defence before the board of nursing.

Stop posting detals/discussing the situation on the internet or anywhere else.

if you work in a union facility, contact your union rep. Keep a copy of your statement that you submitted to your DON for your records. You can also write out a detailed account for your own records while the details are fresh in your mind. If you have a good work reputation and no other complaints, that will speak volumes (especially if the patient has filed complaints against other staff members)

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Did you touch the patient? I don't see how anyone can be given meds against their will unless there is some sort of physical force involved.

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Did you touch the patient? I don't see how anyone can be given meds against their will unless there is some sort of physical force involved.

I have never done it myself, but I have seen plenty of nurses over the years slip people their meds in food or drinks without the client being aware (after having refused the medication). It wouldn't have to be a matter of holding someone down and forcing it down her/his throat.

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I agree with the poster above, contact your rep or your union rep, that is about all you can do at this point.

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