Resources for LPN's

[melamburgey2000]

I need your help....This past weekend at work, the lpn that i work with obtained an order for an atb. After she got the order she looked on the face sheet to double check the resident's allergies and this atb was not listed. We also have a reference sheet that hangs at the nurses station with residents and their allergies, and this atb was not listed on this as well. To make a long story short, the resident received the atb (keflex) early in the evening, and she passed away on night shift. The facility is saying she passed away d/t this atb. Well, this nurse, who is a very good friend of mine has just found out today that she may very well lose her job as well as her license! Our DON said this allergy was listed on the orange sticker in the front of the chart, but not on the other references. And she said those other places that the allergies are listed are only "quick references". Well, in my opinion the allergies need to be listed every where that a nurse would look! Is there any place that she can call or a web site that she can go to to get any information that will help her? I hate to see this happen to her. She is a wonderful nurse, always on top of things. This is awful!! Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!!

[Lorie P.]

Have her contact Risk Management ASAP!!

[melamburgey2000]

Unfortunately we do not have a "risk management" department in our facility. We are privately owned. Got any other ideas?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If I were standing in her shoes, I'd retain an attorney.

Healthcare facilities generally love to use the staff nurse as the scapegoat in these types of unfortunate situations, in order to deflect any and every morsel of blame off the hospital or nursing home.

I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the patient who died.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

What I hope happens is rather than screw this nurse, that a corrective action is done; because most nurses do not come to work with the intention to harm. Allergies should be clearly noted in several designated areas, and it appears that she looked every place she could, because she is aware of cross-sensitivities and I am sure that if she saw it where it was supposed to be, she would not have administered it. I am so sorry to see this; these are reasons why nurses are so afraid...due to inconsideration and carelessness of the powers that be. I wish her well, and am glad she has you as a friend to support her.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

And, was there an orange sticker located where it was supposed to be? I'll bet that it convienently and magically showed up after the fact.

[BinkieRN, BSN, RN]

I would retain an attorney immediately!

The patient should always have a red allergy band on their wrist with their allergy(s) listed.

Those quick reference areas are absolutely useless if all their allergies are not listed.

The facility has some serious issues in front of them.

[BinkieRN, BSN, RN]

edited...

[leslie :-D]

And, was there an orange sticker located where it was supposed to be? I'll bet that it convienently and magically showed up after the fact.

sigh...(re: editing)

i wouldn't be surprised to learn of the orange sticker being placed after the fact.

if the nurse made a point to look at face sheet and other area, how/why could she miss a fluorescent orange sticker?

have her get an attorney, stat.

leslie