liability as a hh nurse

[Quixotic]

Hello, I just starting working HH as a visiting RN doing start of cares and follow-ups. Recently, I've had a patient go back into the hospital, and is doing very poorly. I was at the patients house two days before, and the patient had some lethargy, but was alert and oriented with stable v/s. The patient takes ambien every night and started taking Geodon

Anyways, two days later the caregiver called 911 because per her the patient was more lethargic and acting differently. They took him into a hospital, and ended up having to transfer him to a different hospital after doing CPR a couple hours after being admitted. Is there anything else I could have done? I feel like I failed this patient. His v/s were stable, and nothing was abnormal in his physical assessment other than his legs "feeling weak". Am I liable for this as an RN? Can I be sued for not catching this 2 days prioir? I'm not sure I like HH anymore. Too many problems with too little resources.

Any input helps.

[cathrn64]

Sounds to me like you did the right thing. I don't think you have anything to worry about. You cannot predict everything. You called the Dr and carried out the orders. You instructed the CG to call 911 if needed, and CG did that. Maybe it is not even related to the med!

[caliotter3]

I agree that you did as you were supposed to. If someone wants to sue you though, just as if you worked for another employer, you would then obtain representation, and defend yourself, the same as if you were working for that other employer. It is no different. If you want to be free from problems, then you have to stay home and not work under your nursing license. Everyone can be held liable in various circumstances. Part of working as a nurse. That is why they sell malpractice insurance.