Published
I worked in a LTC where several staff members saw abuse by a CNA; it was reported to the DON and the administrator. We were told in staff meetings, repeatedly, that if you suspected abuse you were to report it to "the chain of command". For whatever reasons, the chain of command did nothing and finally someone called the state.
During the state investigation the staff were castigated for not reporting the abuse to someone outside the facility, even though they had been told the administration was the one to do that!
After that experience, I would report abuse anywhere I had good cause to believe it was happening.
BTW-the CNA who molested the elderly is now in jail; the DON lost her license. The administrator who turned a blind eye and didn't want to believe what was going on is now working at another facility.
chrisrn24
905 Posts
Is a nurse legally required to report suspected neglect outside of work?
I know at work I am legally mandated to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploration, but how about outside of work?