This is a partial vent but I need documentation to back me up as well. ( first let me say Hi, its my first post) I just didn't know where else to turn.
I work in an assisted living facility. I have been a nurse for 16 years, I've worked in hospitals, nursing homes and alf. My current boss has no nursing experience, however does have thier Med Tech license. I was lamblasted tonight for clarifying a doctors order. MD wrote order for ( increase N 10 am) now, I know the doc meant increase humulin N to 10u in am, however patient was not on humulin N. So, in case the doc meant to write that on another patients order, I called to clarify. I tried to explain to my boss that I cannot assume the doctor meant humalog or that it was for that patient. The boss then stated if the doc orders a med for Mrs. V and he actually meant to order it for Mrs. W then by law I have to give it to Mrs. V. I tried to explain that as a nurse, I cannot do that, if I suspect any discrepency ( my spelling is off tonight) that by law I must clarify an order, and if I didn't I would (could) lose my license. The boss said (loudly) "you will not lose your license, that's the doctor's problem"
Where can I find the documentation on the net to back myself up. My boss thinks she is right, we know she isn't, but unless I can produce proper documentation, I don't have a leg to stand on in her eyes.
I love my job, my patients, am a huge patient advocate, and obsessive compulsive with my meds. I check, double check and follow all the rules. I just can't seem to convince the boss that just because a doc orders something doesn't mean we should give it.
I would not only supply the "boss" with the information Karen has given you, I'd pass it along to her boss.
Somebody, somewhere along the line, should have a clue that the facility itself is also at risk.
Plus, you are documenting these conversations with your boss, aren't you?? If you get fired, you can at least talk to a lawyer. Your facility might also understand that publicity for firing a nurse who was attempting to keep her patients safe is not the publicity that they want.
I'm not sure how assisted living facilities are regulated or if they're inspected by the same folks that nursing homes are, but someone on that level might also be able to explain a thing or two to your boss and to her boss.
I have to agree. I would have done the same thing. Why is a MT overseeing a nursing dept?
You are absoulutely right. You are legally obligated to clarify any physician order that is unclear, that you dont understand, or is potentially harmful to the patient.
Your boss is not qualified to oversee a Registered Nurse.
I for one would not accept direction from her. I often seek suggestions from liscensed co workers. However they are just that. Any clarification of orders comes from the physician who wrote the order.
Also you as the nurse are responsible for the patient. Not your boss.
Continue to advocate for your patients no matter who attempts to stand in your way.
Amen to that! What kind of hospital would hire a Med Tech to be a RN supervisor?
I had a similar issue with a job but not related to meds. I worked for a medical case management company. After about 1 1/2 years of working there they had an entire management change due to a sexual harrasment case that my immediate supervisor had initiated then resigned shortly there after. She was a BSN and they replaced her with an Associate degree in Psychology!!!! This person was to oversee all the RN's and our nursing and rehabilitation recommendations. Needless to say it wasnt long before I was terminated when I disagreed with this person changing my nursing recommendations on my patients. I had also refused to manipulate physicians into stating a client was able to return to work when I and all the medical indications showed the client was not capable of returning to thier job. This was catastrophic injury cases so I wasnt recommending to return a guy to a machine operator position when he couldnt remember his own name half the time (traumatic brain injury) LOL. Anyway now I have a termination on my applications although I did challenge it in PA and collected unemployment. The supervisor couldnt appreciate that I felt it was putting my licensure on the line. When brought up to her supervisor well same issue she wasnt an RN either!! I never could understand why companies or institutions hire people who are not RN's to oversee and direct RN's. Just doesnt make any sense to me either way.
Alexsys
125 Posts
I have to agree. I would have done the same thing. Why is a MT overseeing a nursing dept?