Suspended without notice

[RUN_RN]

Today when i went to work on my usual shift i got turned away and sent to nursing supervisor office. Once there I found out i was suspended and i still have no reason why i was suspended. I was not informed of the reason nor was given paperwork in regards to my suspension. A week prior I was the triage nurse on a busy sunday and had a patient who was on a 5150 hold elope. The patinet was monitored by security guard but managed to get away. I work in a very small ER and I didnt have the resources to place this patient in seclusion. I did call the police right away and made a police report and notified the caregiver. This patient was on 5150 for danger to others. THe caregiver informed me that if he arrives there she will call the police. This happend towards the end of my shift. But the police were able to locate the patient and bring him back to the Emergency room three hours later. After this incident there was a root cause analysis meeting regarding the elopement that occured and I attented it and explained "what happend" but after the meeting I was not given any diciplinary notice that I would be suspened or written up about the incident. I worked the rest of the week and was not informed. It wasn't until today Monday that I found out I was suspened. I really need your advice if you can please help me. I am still considered a new grad so I don't know how to prepare/fight against the suspension. Please give me all the advice regarding this situation, It will be appreciated.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

What unrealistic expectations they have. Good luck!

[skylark, BSN, RN]

So if you as a nurse are expected to be a security guard too, then I guess the security guards should have been taking on nursing duties as well ??

Did they triage a lot of patients for ya while this was all going on?

[bubblymom373]

Best of Luck!!

[Reader007]

I am still considered a new grad so I don't know how to prepare/fight against the suspension.

I may have missed it, but does this mean you're working under a "probationary" period and can be let go at any time? Just wondered if going to the expense of getting lawyered up, may not have any benifit if so.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I wouldn't be saying anything at the meeting without first consulting my attorney -- and probably having him/her present at the meeting.

[AJPV]

In addition to bringing your attorney to the meeting, you should check into the laws & hospital policies regarding creating an audio and/or video recording of the meeting. Your attorney should be helpful in advising you on whether that is your right and whether it might be beneficial to you.

[Emergency RN]

it's been my general experience that hospitals, no matter the issue at hand, will inevitably try to suffer the least amount of legal damage to themselves even if it means the dismissal and disparagement of a nurse or nurses reputation and employment. frankly, in 26 years, i have never heard of any hospital ever going out of their way to back up one of their nurses. so, when you walk into the discussion or meeting, make sure you have a lawyer that is not only experienced in labor law, but knowledgeable about nursing in general, and about hospitals in particular.

good luck.

support your nursing unions!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I wouldn't waste a dime if on a lawyer if you are on probation because they can let you go at any time they want for any reason.

Go to the meeting though and try to work things out.

[leslie :-D]

I wouldn't be saying anything at the meeting without first consulting my attorney -- and probably having him/her present at the meeting.

this...and, if you get an atty before the meeting, the atty will reschedule the meeting if it's not a convenient time.

but yes, definitely have an atty with you.

hope everything works out for you.

leslie

[Debilpn23]

Best Of Luck

[onetiredmomma]

I wouldn't waste a dime if on a lawyer if you are on probation because they can let you go at any time they want for any reason.

Go to the meeting though and try to work things out.

But if this an "at will" state it doesn't matter if the OP is still on probation, she can still be fired "just cuz".

[nola1202]

I would demand an explanation and/or threaten to get a lawyer. You need to know what is going on, whether you need to look for another job, are just suspended, for how long, or can get unemployment. They can't just tell you, "You're suspended" and expect you to wait by the phone. You need to be assertive and stand up for yourself. Like I said, def go back and demand to know what is going on and get something in writing to take to an attorney.

don't threaten, just get an atty. who works these kinds of cases. Let the atty find out from your hospital what is going on. I think if you approach it this way, you will not be scapegoated when the investigation has to find someone to be accountable (throw under the bus)