I'm being reported to the state over a joke...

[CaLVN530]

Hi,

I could really use some support and helpful advice right now. I have been turned in to the state for "abuse" over an incident that happened over a month ago, and was just reported last week (I thought you only had 48 hours to report?). I was not fired over the incident, but the woman I spoke to from the state says she believes it was abuse and is forwarding the case to the apropriate people..whoever they are.

Anyway, a little info: My co-workers and I were sitting at the station one night and some inapropriate comments were made about a patient. A joke was made and everyone laughed and went about their business. To me this was like any other day. We all need an outlet for the extremely stressful environment we work in. I was always taught that blowing off steam privatly was ok, as long as the patient didn't know.

In the time period between the time the joke was made and the time I was turned in, I happened to ruffle a few of the CNA's feathers by counseling them to do thier jobs. Since I met with the CNA's their attitudes had become worse. I even had CNA's refusing to do vitals and telling me I had to answer certain lights... Well that didn't sit well with me so I told them so. Basically I had to remind them that I was their supervisor and they had a job to do.. and it wasn't mine. (I used to be a CNA at this hospital and I feel a lot of resentment from the aides I used to work with). I am pretty sure one of the CNA's decided to try to get rid of me by "turning me in".

So now I am being investigated for supposed abuse. How is joking with a couple of cowokers abuse? The lady from state says I violated his right to privacy, but how could I have when the patient and his bahaviors are common knowledge and these co-workers of mine regularly deal with him?

If I had known blowing off a little steam at the station (in the middle of the night with no patients around) was abuse I never would have said anything. I know everybody does it, we all make comments about out patients... I thought it was pretty normal. Am I completely wrong? The patient was not harmed at all, he never even knew the incident happened... Will I lose my license over this?

[tferdaise]

There is no place pvt when talking or joking about a patient, its all free game when you have coworkers who want to get even...

This all sounds far-fetched for a complaint that will actually get you in trouble.

But, just an FYI, the nurses station is considered a patient care area, not private. Private is the nurses break room or lounge with the door closed. The exception (and maybe this is what you have) is the stations with a "report room" in back where the door closes, when the door is closed. Anyplace a patient or non-staff can easily access or overhear is not considered private.

I'm no saint either. I know that we all say things at the nurses station (especially when patients are asleep) that aren't meant for other ears. I'm not trying to criticize your behavior, it could happen to any of us.

[tferdaise]

Calvin get a lawyer, I can not STRESS that enough, even for something as pety at this. The state board well do an investagation and if they find you guilty you better beleive a lawyer for the board will be present at the hearing... I have been in your shoes and will NEVER go in front of the board without a lawyer..

Regarding your coworkers who refuse to do thier jobs.... Document this and write them up. IF they want to play hardball then so be it. You have a better hand to do this then they do, if you refuse to follow your direct orders that is against start board practice. Turn them into your superviors, I had a CNA just like the ones you have. We had a coming to jesus talk, she refused to do vital signs for me, she flat out told me in front others she had better things to do then my vitals signs (she no longer works at our hospital after that comment) but document everything they do that isn't what they are supose to do and sumit it to your superviors.

Now to play the other side of the fence, regarding vital signs. If your CNA's are busy, its just simpler for you to get the vital signs then it is to chase down a CNA....

Hi,

I could really use some support and helpful advice right now. I have been turned in to the state for "abuse" over an incident that happened over a month ago, and was just reported last week (I thought you only had 48 hours to report?). I was not fired over the incident, but the woman I spoke to from the state says she believes it was abuse and is forwarding the case to the apropriate people..whoever they are.

Anyway, a little info: My co-workers and I were sitting at the station one night and some inapropriate comments were made about a patient. A joke was made and everyone laughed and went about their business. To me this was like any other day. We all need an outlet for the extremely stressful environment we work in. I was always taught that blowing off steam privatly was ok, as long as the patient didn't know.

In the time period between the time the joke was made and the time I was turned in, I happened to ruffle a few of the CNA's feathers by counseling them to do thier jobs. Since I met with the CNA's their attitudes had become worse. I even had CNA's refusing to do vitals and telling me I had to answer certain lights... Well that didn't sit well with me so I told them so. Basically I had to remind them that I was their supervisor and they had a job to do.. and it wasn't mine. (I used to be a CNA at this hospital and I feel a lot of resentment from the aides I used to work with). I am pretty sure one of the CNA's decided to try to get rid of me by "turning me in".

So now I am being investigated for supposed abuse. How is joking with a couple of cowokers abuse? The lady from state says I violated his right to privacy, but how could I have when the patient and his bahaviors are common knowledge and these co-workers of mine regularly deal with him?

If I had known blowing off a little steam at the station (in the middle of the night with no patients around) was abuse I never would have said anything. I know everybody does it, we all make comments about out patients... I thought it was pretty normal. Am I completely wrong? The patient was not harmed at all, he never even knew the incident happened... Will I lose my license over this?