RN Supervisor Responsibility in LTC

[PAERRN20]

I have a few questions regarding what the RN supervisor in LTC can be held accountable for. I would be responsible for supervising LVNs-they would pass the meds, do treatments, vitals, assessments, etc. I would do orders, call the MD, do all the central line care....I'm sure there is TONS more I am missing.

My question is what if the LVN makes a mistake- whether it's a med error, or something more serious that doesn't get reported to me so I don't addresss it. Can I be held responsible for any negligence/malpractice or any adverse outcomes that I am not directly involved with? Also, I have heard of LVNs charting "RN made aware" when in fact the RN was not made aware of the situation.

I worked too hard for my license to let an issue like this get in the way.

[springRN]

In my state only an RN can conducts assessments, so you would be responsible for assessing the residents (especially if the resident is experiencing a problem). Making frequent rounds yourself would be essential and always give and get report from the LVNs at the beginning and end of the shift.

[emmasgrandma]

where I am in B.C., Canada , if an LPN signs "RN made aware", it must also be co-signed by the RN

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Oh, Oh, I know the answer to this question. You are responsible for the second coming of Christ, the O zone depleting and................World Peace lol; anyway as you can see you are responsible for everything and that means the CNA's as well.

I don't see how you could be held responsible for a med error that another nurse made if you didn't know about it and the patient showed no reaction to not receiving the med. Now if an LPN comes up and tells you they made a med error; don't let it be your little secret with the LPN no matter how small. You must fill out whatever it is your facility fills out to monitor these errors and teach accordingly. And watch yourself as you probably know you will be on one of those med carts at times as well.

Good luck to you.

[coolbreese45]

Do you have a 24 hour report? This way you know who you need to assess, other nurses need to continue to update the log with new orders, change of condition, MD calls, census, admissions, labs, falls, incidents, ect. Each unit should have a 24 hour report and the charge nurse will have one for the whole facillity. Each facility is different in who can D/C from report, but this will give you a guide on what you need to follow. Good luck.

[misschiatia]

The legalities of what an RN can be held accountable for will probably depend on the state of practice and all kinds of other variables. When I moved to management, found that the best move was to go ahead and get my own malpractice insurance. You can never tell what case they might try to suck you in on.But good malpractice insurance helps you feel comfortable that if you are following protocol, documenting well, and generally using good nursing judgement, you have protection from legal repercussions. What can your employer hold you accountable for? To answer that, you need a job description.....in writing. I would be sure to get that, and right soon.