My patient died :(

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

I got the call today. My patient, who I have been with for the past year passed away last night. She went into the hospital for lethargy and it was found that she had a subdural hematoma. She was supposed to be there for a few days and come home. I worked as a PCA so I've had patients die before but with private duty you just get so close to them. She was more than a patient

The worst part about all this is that the parents are probably going to try and place blame. She hit her head at some point but no one knows exactly when; she is very ataxic so she was falling a lot! I worked the two nights before but nothing was out of the ordinary. This is hard enough I hope they don't drag us all through a lawsuit too.

I don't want to call or anything but I was thinking a card? They haven't even called the agency, my boss heard from the hospital.

[caliotter3]

I would just leave it alone. You don't want to call attention to yourself. If they haven't called the agency by now, they might already have the attorneys on speed dial.

[Isabelle49]

Good Grief! Sounds like a coroner's case to me.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

IDK. A card might go a long way in showing you cared as a nurse as long as you can word it without using the word "sorry" or other tricky language. hmmm

[Kyasi]

I agree, not to send your condolences after you were caring for the child and were in the family home for so long way seem like you are trying to hide something. A simple 'sorry for your loss' card will only show you cared.

You said you worked the 2 nights before this happened. Was the child asleep the entire time you were on duty? If so, it would be difficult to place any blame on you. Also, it would be hard for you to assess lethargy/level of consciousness on a sleeping patient. And unless you checked pupils before she went to sleep and this was done routinely, you wouldn't have picked up on a problem there. I would guess if they are looking to blame someone, those who were around when she was awake should be more concerned. Just my opinion.

It's a sad and I'm sure a very stressful situation for you though. I'm sorry you are going through this.

Kyasi

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

If you can afford it maybe send flowers with just your name on the note that way there will be no evidence that can be misinterrupted.

I think there is a study that show healthcare professionals that showed they cared got sued less or something

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

Just as an update. It doesn't look like there is going to be a lawsuit. Even if there was there was nothing I did that would make me stand out.

They are having a public memorial service on Friday that I wish I could go to but I am working another case. I plan on sending a simple card just letting them know I wish I could have been there. Nothing fancy.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

Ok I am glad for you.