Signing a nurses note for another nurse

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I know the answer to this (or at least I think I do) but is it ever okay as a DON to fill out an assessment and sign another nurse's name? This could be an admit assessment, transfer form or quarterly assessment. What about if is just asks for staff name at the bottome of the form?

How would one deal with this? I'm all for approaching the DON and asking him about it.

[marthyellen]

Why would he sign someone else's name and not his own?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

It's fraud at the very least. No one should sign anyone's name but their own.

[NotFlo]

Of course they shouldn't but I've seen it happen. Also, I've seen DONs initial stuff in MARs/TARs with other nurses' initials and enter blood sugars/BPs/APs under another nurses' initials without even knowing the correct values (in other words I've seen the DON just make stuff up and write it in the MAR).

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Signing someone else's name to any legal document used to be called forgery, which last time I looked was illegal.......a felony, in fact. Definitely not worth the risk, IMHO.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Thank you!!! I know I'm not crazy. The DON would replace documentation too and sign our names as if we did it!!! :eek:

We got dinged on something by the state and corp nurses and now he wants to make sure the little boxes are checked etc. If my documentation needs changed or added to...ask me, tell me, show me what needs to be done....that's not asking too much.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I worked in a place once where they had what they called documentation parties. The DON and ADON would bring the CNA flow sheets, treatment sheets and med sheets into the conference room and expect that we would fill in the blanks. I flat out refused to put my name to something I hadn't done. They threatened to write me up!! I threatened to call the BON and that was the end of that.

[debRN0417]

I worked in a place once where they had what they called documentation parties. The DON and ADON would bring the CNA flow sheets, treatment sheets and med sheets into the conference room and expect that we would fill in the blanks. I flat out refused to put my name to something I hadn't done. They threatened to write me up!! I threatened to call the BON and that was the end of that.

I was asked to attend a party like that once myself. Same answer...NO! Threatened with write up...same answer- Hummmm...I believe I'll call the BON and ask what they think of this....