Refused assignment due to patient safety, was I wrong?
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NursesNurse BethNursing Q/A
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I work in LTC that has a census of approx 45. Our usual staffing on 3-11 shift is 1RN Supervisor and 2 LPN's on the medication carts. My question has to do with safety of patients and my license. I was told one shift that I had to take a med cart due to call off. I hadn't even clocked in yet, I said I wouldn't do it because of liability. Being in charge of 45 people, passing meds, doing blood sugars, handling any problems that arise ie, falls, medical emergencies, admissions is too much. I have been a nurse for 40 years and I know how easy it is to make a med error and cause harm. Because I hadn't clocked in and accepted charge I told them I would leave if there was no alternative. I just wanted your opinions to see how others feel about this issue. I felt bad by not agreeing to do it, but it's my license and my patients lives. Thank you
Published
I work in LTC that has a census of approx 45. Our usual staffing on 3-11 shift is 1RN Supervisor and 2 LPN's on the medication carts. My question has to do with safety of patients and my license. I was told one shift that I had to take a med cart due to call off. I hadn't even clocked in yet, I said I wouldn't do it because of liability. Being in charge of 45 people, passing meds, doing blood sugars, handling any problems that arise ie, falls, medical emergencies, admissions is too much. I have been a nurse for 40 years and I know how easy it is to make a med error and cause harm. Because I hadn't clocked in and accepted charge I told them I would leave if there was no alternative. I just wanted your opinions to see how others feel about this issue. I felt bad by not agreeing to do it, but it's my license and my patients lives. Thank you
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