refusing assignment

[texas_rn11]

Hello all, my question is can you refuse an assignment last minute, at shift change and be charged with patient abandonedment?

Let me give you a scenario.... you recently started at a hospital that has low census and a nurse called in... that leaves you and a cna to cover the floor (medsurg) the ratio is fine there only 4 pts on the floor however... your unfamiliar to the unit, EMR, brand new phone systems (new to staff as well) etc...and have not received training to do admit/transfer/discharge, or charge nurse duties. The DON is aware you are not comfortable working alone yet and has stated "you wont be the only nurse". Also your a breast feeding/pumping and there will no way for you to go pump. Also this is night shift and no one will answer the phone should you need help. There is no house supervisor. It is likely you will get an admit from er..... can you refuse to work if your issue is your uncomfortable in the environment but confident you can care for the pts currently on the floor.... due to inadequate training which could put the pts at risk.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

With the agency I work through, I am to notify them if being asked to stay later or for another shift. The facility only contracted with the agency for the shift worked, not more.

I have worked in facilities I WILL NOT go back to. Usually it is the way the facility is run.

Usually, we who work through an agency are looked as a welcome relief and they are happy to have us there. Occasionally, you will find one where you are treated like you aren't good enough as you do not have a "regular" job.