nurses on duty paying?

sevensonnets · Nov 14, 2010

Once a patient of mine went home with our wheelchair and I was called on the carpet about it. Turns out the social worker told the family they could use it until home health delivered a wheelchair. Bad advice! The WC (and family) have never been seen again. I guess the hospital ate the cost but I didn't!

joyhn · Nov 15, 2010

Hmmm, well I'm glad to hear it's not the norm.

I know a hospital (private) that charges the nurses on duty for things stolen in the ward.

And a former clinical instructor once told the class, she used to work in a government hospital where nurses pay the fees of patients who absconded in their shift. If they want their money back, the nurses have to run after the patient. I don't know if that is still the practice in that hospital. Dear lord I hope not.

BTW the above mentioned did not happen in the US.

My morale took a nosedive when I heard of these.

I appreciate the replies guys.

allnurses Guide · Nov 15, 2010

Hmmm, well I'm glad to hear it's not the norm.
I know a hospital (private) that charges the nurses on duty for things stolen in the ward.
And a former clinical instructor once told the class, she used to work in a government hospital where nurses pay the fees of patients who absconded in their shift. If they want their money back, the nurses have to run after the patient. I don't know if that is still the practice in that hospital. Dear lord I hope not.
BTW the above mentioned did not happen in the US.
My morale took a nosedive when I heard of these.
I appreciate the replies guys.

:no: :no: :no: Not in a US government hospital!

It doesn't make too much sense to have a rule like that in the hospital anyway - because unlike restaurants, the patrons do not stop at the cashier to pay their entire bill. The vast majority are billed later on. Physically leaving the premises has little effect on the ultimate tally owed by the patient/insurance co.