Need opinions

[imaginethat8673]

I am currently working in a nursing home that has so many problems its unreal. I know that it is similar wherever you go its just the name of the game in a field predominantly run by women. We have turf wars and estrogen to fuel our desire to stake a claim on whatever we think is right. In this current matter however a resident is involved in the petty politics of the facility and it is in my opinion sad and completely wrong, but I'm not sure how to go about correcting it.

To give a brief history of the situation an resident is independent and mentally healthy while on medications and has not had any behaviors related to refusing medications while here. He recently formed a relationship with another female resident which staff at the time allowed and encouraged even though the female resident has a history of being mentally unstable. When the male resident discovered her mental handicap on his own from her own behaviors he stopped encouraging the relationship and did his best to avoid her to prevent trouble. His ending of things resulted in her becoming combative with staff, attempting to leave and other behaviors as well.

Administration decided to "handle" the situation and transferred him to the dementia locked unit because "he stirred her up". Never mind her history of behaviors or his exemplary record thus far. He was the one moved. My question is can they use a dementia unit as a "time out" of sorts to keep them separate? The situation is disheartening but am I missing something on the administration part that I may not understand. I feel like transferring him to a unit in which he knows he is locked in is a punishment and a complete violation of his rights. How do I fix this and can I even do anything about it without getting fired?

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Go to the DON and discuss this or your direct supervisor.

[Blackcat99]

Make an anonymous phone call to his family and tell them what is going on. Unacceptable.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

No. You can not use a dementia unit as a time out. If he doesn't have dementia, he shouldn't be on that unit.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Unlawful imprisonment comes to mind here, which is a serious charge. I hope your facility has a good attorney.

[amoLucia]

Little bit late here -

I''m wondering if there is more to the story than OP knows. There may have beeen other issues for which the male pt was transferred - issues for which Admin is not required to make known to OP, but which would have been appropriate for transfer.

Also, might we be being 'snookered' here with a controversial topic by a new member?

I admit to being a bit suspicious, but if OP is new (albeit well-meaning) there may be more.

PS - I really don't understand the direction of the first paragraph as written. Is there something I'm missing?