morrowrn

I'm a hospice nurse and saw a 96 yr. old pt. At home for the first time since her start of care. She was A&O in the lift chair with no other family home at the time. Her daughter works at our hospital and keeps web cams in the living room and bedroom to keep an eye on her mom and things in general - good idea. The daughter called twice while I was there to review info. And the 2nd time asked me if I would take her to the bathroom before I left. Of course I said sure. The pt. Had her walker in front of her and the SOC said she uses a walker. I put the lift chair up, but pt Couldn't stand...tried a gait belt...pt Couldn't stand, however she had slid too far down to put her back into the lift chair so I lowered her to the floor, with her back against the chair, called EMS for lift assistance and sat on the floor with her waiting for them. She denied fall/injury to EMS. The grandson arrived at the same time as EMS. The daughter called while we were sitting on the floor and was notified that EMS was coming to help. We lifted her to the chair and they left. The grandson then said, "C,mon granny lets walk to the bathroom". Of course I was astounded after what we just went through but I figured I would watch how they've been doing it. She was almost a full lift for him then several minutes to go 10 ft. When the pt Said she couldn't make it. We got a w.c. Her knees buckled and she plopped into it! He said "oh it happens all the time ". I let the supervisor know. Told her I would write it as an incident and changed the care plan so that none of our staff attempts ambulation/transfer of this pt. Problem: the family is telling everyone I dropped her!! They have not made a complaint but I want the daughter, my supervisor and I to review the tape to discuss what she thinks happened....My supervisor won't. Her response is: they haven't called to complain. They never want to address issues, but prefer letting it slide. I don't care! They are accusing me of something that didn't happen. That isn't protecting me at all. Your thoughts?

Actually it turned out well, though I still feel somewhat "traumatized" by my former supervisor. When I took my new position I was constantly afraid of doing something wrong. Anyway, I found a job as a case manager through a local agency working at a large energy company. It's was a major step out but I love it. I actually work in a corporate environment now instead of a clinical one. In the initial interview I mentioned that I had some "difficulty" with a former supervisor but didn't discuss details or bad mouth her. They acted as though they already knew - but hired me anyway! Honesty was what got me into "trouble" at the last job, because management there was so corrupt - but I definitely believe that honesty is the best policy - if someone choses not to hire me even though I've been honest, then it wasn't meant to be. I hold fast to knowing that one day the people that have done wrong will have to be accountable for it. Good luck to you.

I'm going through a 6 year nightmare with my supervisor.......a sociopath that manages to draw in other "weak" people to continue on her character assasination efforts against me and another nurse - why? Because we are "strong" personalities, hard workers and aren't afraid to speak up - while the rest are like sheep. They grumble in groups....but do nothing. I'm a problem - solution - get moving person, which has unfortunately led to nothing but constant trouble with this manager. She has done the most unbelievable stuff! Somehow I'm still there but she's trying to peg us as workplace bullies, not following the Standards of Behavior. What actually happens is that she starts rumors, whispering to individuals and pits preop against pacu. Then says it's US! I had a back injury 2 weeks ago...went to the ER, was followed up by my doctor, and scheduled for an MRI. I missed 4 days of work and had my doctor's release. She FOLLOWED me around at work to force me to be seen by one of our doctors!! That's harrassment! My MRI showed 2 disc problems and my doc referred me to a specialist. Anyway, the point is I've been trying to get the heck out of there away from her for 3 years but everytime anyone shows interest in me they suddenly are never heard from again............my best guess is what she is saying to them. Sooooooo DON"T give them permission to contact your employer. I have recently placed on my resume' not to contact my employer because they are unaware of my desire for new employment and I don't want to jeopardize my present position. Apparently these companies are respecting that because I have 2 interviews this week. Praying I can just get away from her and move on, but I guarantee you I am going to the DON of the company with my list of evidence against her. (I've done it before, but they basically ignored it and she continued, even though they told me that other people substantiated my claims!!!) Either put that they cannot contact them or find a way to discredit what she says. Good luck!! You're not alone....