I have been in LTC for 20 years, and have never had a problem like this. Myself, and one CNA were working a certain hall this particular weekend. Another nurse and two CNA's were working the other hall. The nurse on the other hall asked if I would come and assist her with a difficult catheter change. As I had been putting people to bed, and assisting my CNA with her work, I had to stop and wash my hands before proceeding. When I entered the room, the other nurse was standing at the foot of the resident's bed watching my CNA attempting to insert the catheter. As the light was not sufficient in the room, I asked someone to go and get a flashlight and a new sterile catheter. As I was inspecting the resident, attempting to locate the urinary meatus, someone returned with the sterile catheter. My CNA took the catheter from her, and before I could say anything, inserted it. Well, needless to say, I have never been in a situation like this before, but we have all received suspensions for 3 days pending the state investigation. Should I just burn my license now...or what should I do?? Any advice, criticisms, suggestions, or anything at all would be very sincerely appreciated. Thank you.
CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN
3,734 Posts
See..some people think LTC is boring.
You see something new every day.
What I would have done was first ask...err...what is going on?
Um...I'm here to help...You (cna) can't do that..
I would have taken the other nurse aside and ask wth was going on and then report to the DON and CYA