Quit after a week!

luvmy2angels · May 28, 2006

I am really sorry that this happened to you. I too have been in similar situations. You did the right thing by reporting it. The fact that the NM did nothing about it though is a HUGE problem. Did you also report this to the DON or administrator?? This type of abuse should never be allowed to happen and I would report this to the state.

Good luck in your future nursing career!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 28, 2006

What you saw was assault and is against the law, so please don't presume it's o.k. Also, please don't presume nothing was done unless you're a fly on the wall. It does sound like you might be better off working somewhere else.

Is there an agency you can report this abuse to?

nurse100 · May 28, 2006

I had a similar situation happen, except I witnessed verbal abuse. I reported it to the DON and Administrator and NOTHING was done! If I EVER witness any type of abuse again, report it, and nothing is done to the person, I will personally call the state and report them myself. I don't know what IL laws are on abuse but a number should be posted in your facility where anyone can call a state hotline and report complaints against your facility. By ignoring resident abuse, the LPN is as guilty as the CNA who struck the resident. She should have been immediately removed from the Unit until the complaint could have been investigated. I would recommend you call go to your DON and report what has occured, then if nothing is done...Notify the state. Trust me if you don't not only will she do it again, you will always regret not advocating for you resident. I do.

sadsaddy29 · May 28, 2006

This CNA hauled off and slapped her across her face right back and yelled at her! She then proceeded to stomp on the stuffed animal that this resident always carries around with her (a unicorn).

Wow. I don't have any helpful advice, but this brought me nearly to tears. :cry:

chadash · May 28, 2006

This is sooo sooo sad.

texas_lvn · May 28, 2006

I am assuming you quit the job, but just in case you didn't I have a great idea for future reference. I was taught this while working as a jailer for TDCJ. After every shift, I wrote in a "journal" everything that would happen both positive and neg. I would go into a deep description of anything that was out of the ordinary (as in someone slapping a resident and emotionally abusing them.) I would write down the day, time, who all present, and who all I reported the incident to. I would also accurately document what was said to me by the mngt. when told of the incident. After a short period of time, I would certify mail the calender/journal to myself. Before I sent the envelope, on the outside I would write the dates and the employment agency for future reference. If you ever have to open it up, do it in front of an attorney with a camera rolling so that it can not be said you added documentation at a later time. You are telling the truth, so you have nothing to hide.

I am so upset that this happens. I often wonder if these abusers realize that these residents could easily be their family, and if they would act different if they were family. Good luck.:pumpiron:

Jo Dirt · May 28, 2006

If you call the state board for licensing professionals they are supposed to investigate this.

Residents can really try your patience at times, but hitting a patient back in retaliation or to "teach them a lesson" is just so wrong.

SilentfadesRPA · May 28, 2006

The description of what you wrote in your post made me have a visceral reaction in my gut.

I truly support you ending employment and you should be very proud of your attempts to report this situation.

This was not simply inappropriate and uncalled for striking anyone and especially an incompacitated patient.

This is a criminal act that you witnessed.

I hope as a person who is striving to become the professional you are. You have more power to help this resident now from a distance -- more so than the "caregivers" she has at present.

It is great your out of such a barbaric situation however that resident isnt and if you want to try advocate for her and others there. You can and as a professional in training I am asking you to strongly think about doing so.

I did some research and was surprized at what I found in regard to mandated reporters -- anyone working under the supervision of a professional while giving care is mandated by law to report abuse and not to the supervisors only but to the state.(see below link)

If you look at the elder abuse and neglect act of Illionois as a CNA you were working under the supervision of professional -- thus as a professional delegate you are a mandated reporter to convey this information to the state for investigation.

I am sure you are thinking if this was your family -- it is really great that you got out of there but this situation needs more of a legal professional and even criminal investigation -- we are the patients advocate and when situations like this occurs it is time to inform the highest authority possible -- not with feelings or personal dislikes but with facts as you so well documented here.

It must have been very hard for you to witness this and do not discount your feelings of seeing this situation you were also tramatized by this. Please --You should not at all apoligize for the negativity but I am very glad you were able to debrief and share this here.

I am sincerely sorry you saw this but perhaps there is a reason in that you can have some power in this situation to see this thru.I truly think you will make a great care giver.

If you hesitant the important thing is that that resident remember her ...you saw her slapped she can not leave and needs someone to speak on her behalf (and with those seemed employed there I am sure others need that too)

Here are some links that may help you --should you choose to -- report this

http://www.state.il.us/aging/1abuselegal/abuse_reporting.htm defines elder abuse -and who are mandated reporters

Elder Abuse and Neglect Act-(320 ILCS 20/) Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.

1) a professional or professional's delegate while engaged in: (i) social services, (ii) law enforcement, (iii) education, (iv) the care of an eligible adult

There are two agencies that can/should be contacted :

1) the Illinois Department of Public Health, which operates a Central Complaint Registry to record and investigate complaints regarding hospitals, nursing facilities and home health agencies and the care or lack of care of the patients. Nursing Home Hotline: 800-252-4343

2) equally important is the office of the inspector general -- who upon thier investigation will contact the Board of Nursing if needed.

WHY THE OIG and WHAT IS REPORTABLE TO OIG? --

The Office gets involved when an allegation of abuse or neglect is reported against an employee or other person responsible for care of the adult with disabilities.

The law defines abuse and neglect and states that evidence of or the suspicion of abuse or neglect should be reported.

Abuse means any physical injury, sexual abuse or mental injury inflicted on an individual other than by accidental means.

Neglect means the failure to provide adequate medical or personal care or maintenance......

The Illionois OIG Hotline 1-800-368-1463 they will want to know

1)how to contact you

2)a description of the suspected abuse or neglect including any details you know;

3)the alleged victim's name or description;

4)the suspected perpetrator's name or description;

5)any other information you think may help, including the names of witness and how to contact them.

Sometimes in nursing it can be lonely but most of the time if you do what is right you will sleep well.

I wish you the very best and support in what you decide is the right thing to do.

Marc

veronica butterfly, ADN, RN · May 28, 2006

I'm sorry you had to go through this....!

Please, all of us, report this to the county adult protection agency. These are vulnerable adults!

McArdle · May 28, 2006

Thank you for your support. Even though I am no longer employed there, I cant help but think about this paticular resident and the whole situation in general. I dont want this incident to haunt me as Nurse100 suggested (and I know it will), so Im calling the numbers that Silentfades supplied first thing Tues morning. Im only a cna at this point but I can still advocate for my patients and whats wrong and what is right.

Thanks all

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 28, 2006

Wow I can't believe someone thought it was ok to slap a pt like that. How sad. I'm glad to hear you are calling those numbers.

I did some student time in the Alzhimers unit and just loved it. The CNA's and the nurses there were great also. So sorry you didn't find the same situation. What a difference people make.