Old job calling me to finish some charting?

[JuliusSeizure]

So, I quit my previous RN job 2 weeks ago (after 2 weeks notice) because I found a better job. The previous job, was highly dangerous and understaffed (state came in quite a few times and penalized them). Basically, the job came down to 1 nurse 3 aides, vs 43 patients in a mental hospital with no security or walled off nurses station. Very, very, awful place to work, cops had to be called constantly.

Anyway, they recently and are me to finishing a charting or aprogress note on a patient.

Do I have to come in? Or can I refuse? What are the penalties?

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

Charting for what? It's been two weeks, how can you remember exactly what you did/did not do after two weeks. We have 24 hours to chart, and after that it takes an act of congress to chart anything. Except and addendum. That is just off. I have a strong suspicion, based on what else you said about the facility,they are about to be inspected again.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't. Like CelticGoddess said, do you really remember what happened >2 wks ago? You seem like a conscientous nurse based on your posts, so I'm assuming that any vital charting was done (post fall note, accurate MAR etc). How will you get paid for your time if you are no longer on the payroll? What about liability being present in the unit during this charting?

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't do it. You are longer an employee there.

[caliotter3]

Chances are extremely high you will be asked to chart something that is left or right of center concerning something another nurse(s) is/are really responsible for. In other words they want to scapegoat you. I would not go in.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I think it's dangerous and a potential set-up. You are no longer employed there; you have no business at all charting there now. Don't do it. If they get pushy or "legal" on you, then seek legal counsel, and whatever you do, do NOT go in there without it.

[AnOldsterRN]

Sounds like you worked at a miserable place with shady people.

I agree with with the rest. Don't do it. If they keep bothering you, tell them you're going to call the State Department of Health Services Hotline for advice on their request and you'll get back to them lol.

[jaderook01, BSN, RN]

That's a big red flag of stay away.

[Volley88]

Don't do it. You are not an employee anymore. You have no obligation to do so.

[Extra Pickles]

There are no penalties for refusing to do work for a former employer. You are under no obligation to write anything in their charts. If there is something that you did or didn't do that you didn't chart, that IS on you, but then it would be regardless. If you get subpoenaed to talk about a particular situation in which your charting appears unclear you can answer the questions on the stand. Outside of that very unlikely scenario (they DON'T want you on that stand!), stay the hell away from that place.

[EDdad]

Did they give you any context about what chart it was or what they wanted you to add? I would absolutely not do it, but I would take a few minutes to write down for your own memory everything you can remember about that case. Then if you were asked to go court for some reason, you have your mind fresh on the case, particularly if it's down the road and there is something missing from the chart you'd want to remember.

[Boomer MS, RN]

All wise comments. Do not do it. And are you aware there are ways that an expert can determine if you added some charting at a later date/time? Something may or may not be brewing, but do not get pulled in the situation unless you are contacted by an attorney. And if you get deposed, just be honest.