Suspended with pay

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

A nurse I know who is clinical director of a home health agency got suspended with pay until a specific date and in the paper it says there is to be no contact with any other employees of that company as well as it was verbalized that there is to be no contact with any patients. My concern is if pts are in need of something can that person still be held accountable for it during the suspension time.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Are there not other nurses or was she on call 24/7 with never a vacation or day off?

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

There were other nurse but this incident happened with another nurse and because she is clinical director the owner suspended her with pay for 9 days with pay ad she has to have a physical and mental exam as well as not have any contact with the employees or thy will accept that as termination.....as clinical director she was having to do visits and reverts and admissions also.....

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

A nurse I know who is clinical director of a home health agency got suspended with pay until a specific date and in the paper it says there is to be no contact with any other employees of that company as well as it was verbalized that there is to be no contact with any patients. My concern is if pts are in need of something can that person still be held accountable for it during the suspension time.

Held accountable how? Presumably there is another clinical person who can fill in in this person's absence. All patients should have the agency's phone number.

[nursel56]

I think she'd be in more trouble if she went ahead and did patient visits while she was suspended. Like the others, I'm perplexed as to how a nurse who has been suspended by her employer (who is in a contractual arrangement with the client to provide care) can be held accountable for visits missed during the suspension time frame.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

We cannot offer legal advice I suggest you call your malpractice carrier.

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

No legal advice wanted just opinions

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

No legal advice wanted just opinions

This is technically asking legal advice

if pts are in need of something can that person still be held accountable for it during the suspension time.

and can only be really answered by a lawyer. If the employer is looking at mental and physical requirements as a condition to return to employment and non compliance is termination their license may be in danger as well.....I still suggest they contact their malpractice carrier for real advice.

I hope your friend is comfortable with you putting this on a public forum. AN may be anonymous but can be viewed by the public.

[caliotter3]

Under these serious circumstances, I would assume this nurse realizes she needs to look for a new job. All run-ins between the Director and the administrator that I have ever heard of, ended with the Director leaving the employer. Sounds to me as if they are only there because the admin is covering bases.

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

That was my suggestion as well, Im not that familiar with home health so I just wanted opinions.thanks.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I think she'd be in more trouble if she went ahead and did patient visits while she was suspended. Like the others, I'm perplexed as to how a nurse who has been suspended by her employer (who is in a contractual arrangement with the client to provide care) can be held accountable for visits missed during the suspension time frame.

agreed...if placed on "administrative" leave/suspension the administrator assumes the contractual agreement.

[caliotter3]

In any situation, when you are disciplined at work, you can consider your job on the line. It would be a very rare boss indeed that would allow a subordinate to recover from serious misconduct and go on to complete a long career with the company.