What will happen to me?
I was working at a 24:1 ratio at a nursing home. 7p-7a. Resident had a change in condition at around 03:45p that included emesis, diarrhea, and chills. MD ordered CDIFF test to be collected in AM.
I arrived at 07:00p, found information during report. Went to residents room and saw him lying in Supine position. O2 at 80%, HR 158. Hx of O2 fluctuating throughout stay. Respirations are labored and between 22-24. Refused BP and temperature. Immediately grab O2 to increase saturation. Refused, CNA is in room with me when he refuses. Notify MD, UM, and DON of change in condition. Attempt to reposition, refused. Education provided. Document.
20 minutes after notifying previous parties, DON and MD read the message. MD asks if he's in distress. I did not see the message and no further communication or orders from MD. 20 minutes after that UM calls for an update to which I tell them he is still in the previous condition.
Per policy, management is to triage before sending a patient to hospital. Complaints of too many send outs.
Resident last seen alive at 10:00p. Sleeping but responsive, chest rising and falling. Respirations still labored. No follow up from MD, UM, or DON at this time.
10:50p, go to car for lunch after telling co-nurse. 11:25p, alerted by CNA that resident is in a code. Staff works on resident, EMS arrives. TOD 23:50.
Contacted by DON/Administrator regarding patient, suspended. I refer to triage by management rule to which I am told is not a rule and if it is, it wasn't for emergent situations.
I defend myself and end up resigning.
I have been a nurse for a little over a year, have always worked at this facility as a LTC nurse with 24 patients, FULL TIME. Looking back, I tried to the best of my ability and I see where I could've handled things differently but my main question is what happens next?
What will happen to me? Will I lose my license?