Is This Illegal?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jan 13, 2005

I agree with all the above posts and would like to another twist.........
question:
what if you do this, something bad happens, and your administrator denies culpability?

You can envision it now:

"You mean she clocked in and WASN'T THERE?!?!? Of course I *never* authorized that - we'll need to talk to the BON about pt abandonment."

If the crapolla hits the fan, and it's his neck or hers, guess who's gonna swing?

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

You need to speak with this administrator as soon as possible and let him KNOW he was asking you to be dishonest and unethical. I would suggest a weekend RN for coverage as needed be hired asap. If he seems offended by your calling his hand, it's only because he was not sure you knew or would find out how illegal this really is. Personally, I would take the weekend job and get away from a dishonest boss like this one. He is trouble.

Da Monk · Jan 13, 2005

All the administrator has to say is I did not say that and you're screwed. Don't do it.

rstewart · Jan 13, 2005

I would report this interim administrator's request to both his superior and his licensure body. People like him should not be permitted to remain in positions of trust and responsibility.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

He is asking you to commit fraud. YOUR license is on the line and the Dept of Labor would expect you to know better too. Anyway, if he lies about this he lies about other things and will eventually get you in trouble. I would look for another job, refuse to do what he suggested and maybe even call the Dept of Labor. This guy is trouble.

Of course, the real problem is that the residents are not having adequate RN coverage. What a sleaze.

Rachel2004RN · Jan 13, 2005

:uhoh21: I am an RN DON at a rural nursing home of about 45 residents. We are currently getting ready to move to a new nursing home in town. We have an interim administrator and he asked me to do something I don't feel comfortable about doing. State came in around Christmas and wrote us up for not having weekend RN coverage every weekend. My new administrator asked me to come in this weekend and clock in and out for Sat. and Sun. but not to stay....just to clock in so it looks like I was there. I can't work 7 days a week and they haven't hired anyone. I feel like this is lying and that I might be risking my licensure. Is this illegal? Could I lose my license? I don't want to lie. Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Not only is this illegal but also dishonest and sneaky on the part of administration. Do not under any circumstances do this!!! Not only is it wrong from an ethical standpoint, it also compromises care and places the patients in jeapordy...if you clock in but aren't really there, who is???

Get out of there ASAP and report them to the BON.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

OH heck no!!!!!!!!!! NO way would I sign on and be 'on the clock' even in just paperwork and take responsiblity for that shift!!! OMgoodness that is an accident waiting to happen!!!!! My luck someone would code and State would be asking me why I didn't do anything!!!!! OMGoodness no way!

That is pure falsification of documentation in a way! Like signing for meds that day when you aren't even there thinking that someone else will give them..it is fraud! AND YES IT IS UTTERLY ILLEGAL!!!!!!

It is not your fault that your employer doesn't have RN coverage for the weekend, that is up to them. And if they are anything like my facillity they have to actually have an RN on duty for said amount of hours too (not an LPN..but RN, we have to shuffle schedules around so much because an RN must be present daily for at least 8 hours a day).

I would simply tell that administrator that you can not do this at all, that the BON will NOT condone this, and you are not going to endanger your license for this, or the risk to the patients and staff!

Oh my I am just shocked someone would even ask that..but then again, many of the things administration asks nurses to do shocks me in greater/lesser degrees!

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

oh my i am just shocked someone would even ask that..but then again, many of the things administration asks nurses to do shocks me in greater/lesser degrees!

my thoughts exactly.

:uhoh21: i think everyone said enough already.

:eek: get out!!!! and don't look back

bobnurse · Jan 13, 2005

It is illegal because the guidelines state a RN in house.......So by clocking in and leaving, you are not in house.......Ive heard of people doing that stuff going on, but one day something will happen and losing your license will be the least of your worries.

HannahRN24 · Jan 13, 2005

I totally agree with all of you...I am so glad to know that I am not crazy for thinking it is definitely wrong to do this....all of the "managers" at my facility are mad because I won't just fill in the gaps in the MARs with my initials and that I won't do what this administrator is suggesting. I am definitely putting in my notice today! Thank you all so much for your support and advice!

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

Wow that stinks..............nope I would not do that actually I would resign as it shows lack of intelligence and integrity on behalf of your administrator.

renerian

GingerSue · Jan 13, 2005

all of the "managers" at my facility are mad because I won't just fill in the gaps in the MARs with my initials and that I won't do what this administrator is suggesting.

The problem is all these managers - they're the ones who should be leaving - and a higher authority needs to be made aware of what they're trying to do.