It's realy the doctors

[K-Ann]

I was asked to make an IR for not carrying out a not signed doctors order. The order was made at 12:30pm(am shift, 6am-2pm) and I was on duty at 2-10(pm shift). Theres a reason why the morning shift did not carry out the order, it was not signed. SO why would they ask me to do one?? Why not the am shift too? Well I cheked the chart the other day, lo and behold! it was signed. Good thing I told my supervisor about it, and the rest of the nursing staff as well. We all know it was not signed before.

The doctor said she endorsed it to a nurse that she will come back and sign the order, why not sign it the moment she made that order? She did not come back, i waited til the end of my shift.Other doctors said, they do carry out an order even if it is not signed because they know the doctors handwriting, so they know who made it.

[suzanne4, RN]

When you find an order that was not signed, always make a copy of it. Then if it is changed, you always have the proof to back you up. Easiest way to cover yourself in any situation.

If the order was not signed, then it is not a legal binding order. It cannot be legally carried out as it is not complete. The provider needs to take some accountability for this.