Testifing against RN in a child abuse case.

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I have (did have) a friend who is a RN and has been under investigation by the local child protection agency and police for the abuse of her children. I have given a full report to the police concerning everything that I witnessed, and the case goes to court this week. She will most likely lose custody of her children. Since she is very vindictive (I cannot stress this enough) I am concerned that she will, in some way, try to jeopardize my nursing education. Should I contact my program director and fill her in as to what I am doing and my concerns about what my friend might do to me for being a witness against her?

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I wouldn't mention any aspect of the persons character (vindictiveness, desire for revenge, etc.).

I would just inform them that "I will be in court next week as a witness in a child custody hearing". Then follow up with a memo type letter to the administration stating the same. If you are concerned with your personal safety send memos to the security divisions of your hospital and college.

Then if S**t hits the fan it is up to them to draw their own conclusions. Better they know the basics than think you have issues about the people involved in the custody hearing. People often know these things and just don't want to hear you say them.

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I have (did have) a friend who is a RN and has been under investigation by the local child protection agency and police for the abuse of her children. I have given a full report to the police concerning everything that I witnessed, and the case goes to court this week. She will most likely lose custody of her children. Since she is very vindictive (I cannot stress this enough) I am concerned that she will, in some way, try to jeopardize my nursing education. Should I contact my program director and fill her in as to what I am doing and my concerns about what my friend might do to me for being a witness against her?

I have no advice to give.I just want to thank you for having the courage to help the children.God bless you.

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Specializes in M/S, OB, Ortho, ICU, Diabetes, QA/PI.

I don't have any advice either but I commend you for having the guts to do what you had to do - it's scary how many people don't.....

good luck and you are in my prayers....

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

You didn't say whether or not the RN works at a hospital where you have clinicals? Or how big/small of an urban/rural area you're in?

If this nurse works at a facility where you have clinicals and could conceivably have some contact with her, I'd mention it to your program director.

I can't commend you enough for the steps you've taken to protect children. You have my utmost respect.

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.

Hi I commend you for your helping these children, all too often people don't want to be involved. I am facing the exact same thing! My son's girlfriend...now ex. It's scary and I'm adult! Imagine how the children feel. This woman is also vindictive..VERY!!!

Please let us know what happened. How did you make out? And the children?

Thanks Carol

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Good for you to have the guts to do this. Many people don't. I would write a letter to your supervisor explaining you will be in court for this, especially if you might have any contact with this woman at work. Take care and let us know how things go.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Maternal and Child.

In some states a nurse can lose her license for not reporting a suspected case of child abuse to the authorities. In the pediatric rotation in nursing school we are taught what signs to look for in suspected child abuse cases. Not wanting to get involved because you're afraid of retaliation by the abusers or feel that it's none of your business is a very poor excuse. Child abuse is everyone's concern. We ALL have the obligation to report child abuse. We must do what we can to protect those who are unable to protect themselves.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.
I wouldn't mention any aspect of the persons character (vindictiveness, desire for revenge, etc.).

I would just inform them that "I will be in court next week as a witness in a child custody hearing". Then follow up with a memo type letter to the administration stating the same. If you are concerned with your personal safety send memos to the security divisions of your hospital and college.

Then if S**t hits the fan it is up to them to draw their own conclusions. Better they know the basics than think you have issues about the people involved in the custody hearing. People often know these things and just don't want to hear you say them.

This is very good advice!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

This will not be easy. I wish you well in the weeks and months ahead. Taking a stand to protect children is never easy, but it's a must. Thoughts are with you.

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Specializes in NICU.

Just wanted to point out that this thread is 8 months old.

I agree with the other posters - bravo for having the courage to be an advocate for the children. I hope all went well (or as well as can be in a case like this).

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I agree with the posters, just write a letter stating that you will a witness in a child abuse case. Two reasons I wouldn't worry very much about her "getting" you 1) anyone who knows her or knows of her knows what kind of a person she is, and 2)In all honesty, for anyone to actually lose any kind of custody of her kids has to have some serious issues, that people will recognize. If she tries to make trouble for you, your written notice will cover you, as in "remember the child abuse case I had to testify in?....." You've done a good thing. Bless you.

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