patient abandonment

[conway1]

My previous job threatened patients abandonment on me. I worked my regular day shift being the only nurse and LPN for that matter in the building. Second shift came and no one was able to relieve me. This all took place on a Sunday. I miscarried at 4 months and took no time off (wish I would have). I started cramping bad on Sunday and told the on call nurse I couldn't stay for second shift. She told me she was on her way this was at 1:30pm. Around 430 the pain subsided and I texted if I stay I need tomorrow off due to my DNC. She said I didn't have to she is on her way and that another employee is going to be their at 6 to relieve her. So I figured soon she would be their at 640 i had severe pain. Still no nurse available I went straight to the hospital. Still no nurse now I'm being accused of patient abandonment. I even called the adon no answer. I am a new nurse and scared to lose my license.

[canigraduate]

I have no advice for you that hasn't already been stated.

I am so sorry you had to go through this and I hope everything resolves OK.

[[hugs]]

[Red Kryptonite]

OP you might consider calling your local TV news station. This place sounds like it needs to be shut down!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. The loss of a child and now the stress of the possible BON. As others have stated: write it all down now. Who you called, what time you talked to them, what you were told, etc. Then find yourself a lawyer who has dealt with the BON before just in case something should come of this.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

I am horrified by what you've been put through! So sorry for your loss.

What I can't help wondering is what on earth was your supposed relief doing that she could say that she was on her way and then never show up?!

[Red Kryptonite]

No Stars In My Eyes said:

What I can't help wondering is what on earth was your supposed relief doing that she could say that she was on her way and then never show up?!

Booty call. I used to work for the local newspaper, and one of our truck drivers got fired for disappearing with a truck for hours. Turned out he stopped off for a quickie, but then fell asleep.

Or she could be on drugs. Drug users tend to lose track of time really easily.

The way this facility is described, I'd believe just about anything is possible.

[TriciaJ, RN]

xoemmylouox said:

I am so sorry for what you are going through. The loss of a child and now the stress of the possible BON. As others have stated: write it all down now. Who you called, what time you talked to them, what you were told, etc. Then find yourself a lawyer who has dealt with the BON before just in case something should come of this.

Something SHOULD come of this. The OP had a medical emergency and couldn't seek care for herself because of wanton disregard by her employer. OP, try not to be afraid of what they can do to you. Find a lawyer NOW to find out what preemptive action you can take. From what you described, at this point, they should be very afraid of you.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

TriciaJ said:

Something SHOULD come of this. The OP had a medical emergency and couldn't seek care for herself because of wanton disregard by her employer. OP, try not to be afraid of what they can do to you. Find a lawyer NOW to find out what preemptive action you can take. From what you described, at this point, they should be very afraid of you.

THIS. ^^^

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I'm sorry for your loss. Nobody should have to go through what you went through. I think you may be working for the employer that I quit working for a little under a year ago. The DON would call saying that she was on her way repeatedly or that she had other people coming in and they would never show up, including the DON herself. I learned quickly that whatever staff I had when I came in that was the staff that I had to work with. If it was me and a med tech for over 110 residents, that's what it was! The company would NOT allow agency and had no emergency plan, which seems like what you are dealing with. There is a good chance that they are bluffing. Did they threaten patient abandonment before or after you quit? Chances are they could be in deeper trouble than you just like another poster had said but to be on the safe side contact an attorney just to be safe. Document the heck out of everything while you still recall the specifics (who you called, when you called, what they promised each time you called, what information you told them during the calls etc). Since you went to the ER at least you have your medical record to vouch that you left to immediately seek medical attention. I don't know exactly how the laws work, but I would think that there has to be some protection here...You called your supervisor, you waited as long as you could, she misinformed you about when you would be relieved, and you were dealing with a medical emergency of your own. What would they do if you went unconscious? Send you out in an ambulance (I hope...). Good luck, but I don't think you have too much to be worried about given the circumstances though it's best to be prepared so that you can accurately state your case to the nursing board if necessary. You did everything you could do.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I've had miscarriages and I know how excruciatingly painful they can be. I've even fainted during the worst part of one of them (at home). Another one started and became horribly intense during my last four hours of a shift. As painful as it was, I couldn't have imagined just walking out. I figured if I was well enough to walk anywhere, then I was less vulnerable than many of my patients.

It might have been better/looked better to call an ambulance instead of leaving on your own. Your management sounds awful, though. I hope you come through this unscathed.