Published Sep 8, 2010
orlycst
16 Posts
Hello there fellow RNs, LPNs, etc:
tonight I showed up for work as schedule. When I got there I looked at assigment board and realized I had 9 patient's to take care off, no Charge Nurse, and a floor secretary that makes huge mistakes constantly. Before I clocked in and took any report and turned in my badge and left since I believe 9 patients is an unsafe patient load. My question is: Can they call me up for abandoment even though I didn't clock in or didn't take report in any patient.
Thanks a lot for your answers....
grandmawrinkle
272 Posts
I'll keep it short and simple -- No, they can't. Had you taken report and assumed responsibility, then left, yes. Since you didn't, it's a big NO, and don't let them tell you differently.
Thanks! I hated doing that but I don't think is safe for patient's or my license. This is a place that can't keep and nurse on staff ever... I was only part time and, again, they've been trying to cut off the budget so nurses are being affected as well....
vlomankill
34 Posts
she is right and I've been in your shoes, i know how you feel.
Enough is enough! I felt bad for what I did, but I didn't feel safe taken care of 9 patients, if you know what I mean...thanks
anytime, :hdvwl: like i said, i know the feeling.
Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN
2,368 Posts
I'm sorry that this happened.
As far as I know, you cannot be considered abandoning anyone or anything.
But, as a heads up, just remember that you've burned your bridges in regards to employment with this company.
Flying ICU RN
460 Posts
My "gut" feeling is that this statement is correct however, it may not stop them from attempting to be nasty about it. It may be personality dependent in this regard.
Be cautious about any demands for a response in writing. I would simply respond that it was a verbal resignation effective immediately and leave it at that.
For the future. When faced with an overwhelming assignment, go into "triage mode", and take care on the following five items in order of importance, ABC's, Vital Signs, Medications, Analysis, and Treatments. Everything else on the extra's list, can go to pot.
I'm sorry that this happened.As far as I know, you cannot be considered abandoning anyone or anything.But, as a heads up, just remember that you've burned your bridges in regards to employment with this company.
I know it, but the questions is: do I want to be hired by this company? How far can you go to protect your license and the patients. I had only two avenues: 1) clock in take report and good luck! OR 2) quit!
Why is this happening on this company? I don't know. What did they lost 8 nurses last week, I don't know, why director of nursing resign at a different floor unexpectedly, no clue.
Thanks, again, I didn't mean to burn a bridge.
shiccy
379 Posts
Yep the only problem now is you need to watch your every move b/c that's a first strike against you.
Something more prudent in this circumstance would have given them the opportunity to bring more staff in, or asked one of the RN's on days to stay for part of the shift. If neither of these items happened, and the manager was unwilling to help, THEN I would have peaced out.
You did the right thing by not taking report, FWIW, but you might want to find a new job b/c like I said they're going to actively try to fire you.
Yep the only problem now is you need to watch your every move b/c that's a first strike against you.Something more prudent in this circumstance would have given them the opportunity to bring more staff in, or asked one of the RN's on days to stay for part of the shift. If neither of these items happened, and the manager was unwilling to help, THEN I would have peaced out.You did the right thing by not taking report, FWIW, but you might want to find a new job b/c like I said they're going to actively try to fire you.
I think OP quit -- she said she turned in her badge.
*whispers in grandmawrinkle's ear* The OP is a dude....