If my employer schedules below state regs can I be held responsible if ohmbudsman

[Rosie]

If my employer schedules below state regs can I be held responsible if state or ohmbudsman walks into the home on my shift. I have worked below regs every nite this week either because of scheduling or call offs. My employer does not seem to care and I don't want to lose my license because of their uncaring money hungry attitude. Please someone give me a hint. I'm fed up.

[This message has been edited by Rosie (edited 08-31-98).]

[Gloria Blackmon]

Dear Rosie, you would not be held accountable for the staffing level but would come under scruitiny if the work required could not be completed as ordered, as required by state regs. You would want to document in some form that the DON was made aware of your concern (memo to her/him). This however, makes some nurses feel uncomfortable and fearful of losing their jobs or becoming a target. You will only lose your license if you do something that goes against the state nurse practice act. You could be named for example in a lawsuit if someone fell on your shift, broke thier hip. But that would not automatically cause your license to be taken away.

[Katrina]

I agree with Gloria. You must make your D.O.N. aware of the problem then if nothing changes, I would take it to the administrator. I think you should follow your chain of command, but someone is at the top. If they truly do not care, then you may have to look for employment elsewhere. If patient care is being affected, then you have an obligation to look out for your patients, even if it makes you uncomfortable. I don't think that the Charge Nurse can be held accountable for staffing, as long as she has tried to staff the shift.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Rosie -- Think you've gotten good advice from previous posters.

[freddiebear]

Rosie- By Regs the DON and Administrator are accountable for maintaining adquate staffing.

But, if you clock in and accept an assignment even though the staffing per regulations is inadequate you are responsible for the safety and adequate care of all the residents you are assigned to.

A nurse can come to work and before clocking in and accepting an assignment manifested by signing a narcotic count and taking keys can refuse the assignment, not clock in or take count. This could be based on the fact that there is inadequate staffing or the nurse does not feel competent enough to safely care for the residents. In this situation a nurse can loose their job for making such a decision but not their license.

[Atheos]

You guys realize this thread is 11 years old right?