Went to ER accused of Abandonment

[rexregnum]

Hello all. Just hoping to get some advice/input on a situation that happened recently. So I’m an LPN working through agency. When I arrived at the facility I received report on my assignment which consisted of Covid positive and negative patients and 2 carts. Some time after beginning my med pass I began experiencing chest and leg pain. I tried pushing through the pain and took a moment to go to the bathroom to gather my emotions as I went inside my leg immediately gave out, I began seeing yellow and white spots. I contacted my agency to inform them I’m doing my best to finish the morning meds but I need to leave afterwards to go to the hospital.

My agency contacted the supervisor on duty who stated they didn’t care what was going on with me if I leave I will be reported for abandonment. I asked my agency if it was clarified to the supervisor that although I did have a few issues with the nature of the assignment I was leaving because I needed to go to the ER. I was told that this was made clear to the supervisor but that they were adamant that they didn’t care and if I walk out the door I will be reported. I made my agency aware that I’d be calling 911 to go to the hospital.

The other nurse on the unit was already informed on the situation but I personally made her aware I’d be leaving the unit to go the ER and asked if she could please count with me, she refused. As emergency services were en route I went to the supervisor to hand over keys. The supervisor ignored me multiple times. I then demanded their attention and was asked if I came to a decision “keep your job or go play pretend” I informed the supervisor I was not pretending I was struggling to stand, the chest pain was now stabbing me and I decided to go to the ER.

I handed the keys directly to the supervisor and informed them I left the report sheet atop the cart. The supervisor then laughed and said they hope I’ve enjoyed my time as a nurse as they’ll personally ensure I lose my license. I then got into the ambulance and went to the ER. I understand I already accepted responsibility and began care however I left due to a medical emergency does that still constitute abandonment? Thank you for any input or advice. 

[summertx]

On 1/2/2022 at 6:22 PM, rexregnum said:

Hello all. Just hoping to get some advice/input on a situation that happened recently. So I’m an LPN working through agency. When I arrived at the facility I received report on my assignment which consisted of Covid positive and negative patients and 2 carts. Some time after beginning my med pass I began experiencing chest and leg pain. I tried pushing through the pain and took a moment to go to the bathroom to gather my emotions as I went inside my leg immediately gave out, I began seeing yellow and white spots. I contacted my agency to inform them I’m doing my best to finish the morning meds but I need to leave afterwards to go to the hospital.

My agency contacted the supervisor on duty who stated they didn’t care what was going on with me if I leave I will be reported for abandonment. I asked my agency if it was clarified to the supervisor that although I did have a few issues with the nature of the assignment I was leaving because I needed to go to the ER. I was told that this was made clear to the supervisor but that they were adamant that they didn’t care and if I walk out the door I will be reported. I made my agency aware that I’d be calling 911 to go to the hospital.

The other nurse on the unit was already informed on the situation but I personally made her aware I’d be leaving the unit to go the ER and asked if she could please count with me, she refused. As emergency services were en route I went to the supervisor to hand over keys. The supervisor ignored me multiple times. I then demanded their attention and was asked if I came to a decision “keep your job or go play pretend” I informed the supervisor I was not pretending I was struggling to stand, the chest pain was now stabbing me and I decided to go to the ER.

I handed the keys directly to the supervisor and informed them I left the report sheet atop the cart. The supervisor then laughed and said they hope I’ve enjoyed my time as a nurse as they’ll personally ensure I lose my license. I then got into the ambulance and went to the ER. I understand I already accepted responsibility and began care however I left due to a medical emergency does that still constitute abandonment? Thank you for any input or advice. 

They probably were upset because they were already short staffed. If they said those words directly, you can report that to the board  of nursing for unprofessional conduct. You had a medical emergency, it was documented and they laughed and threatened you. Get a lawyer. 

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

Agree that you should get legal help.

Gather together your medical evidence from the ER. Enlist your agency for witness statements of what was said to them.

I hope that ultimately you got sorted medically and are OK?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

If you have malpractice insurance, call them tomorrow to advise of situation + get their advice.   Write down the details + names of those you spoke to regarding your medical emergency + include went by ambulance + discharge instructions for any future BON contact.

Hope you are well now. 

[iNurs5, CNA]

On 1/2/2022 at 7:45 PM, summertx said:

They probably were upset because they were already short staffed. If they said those words directly, you can report that to the board  of nursing for unprofessional conduct. You had a medical emergency, it was documented and they laughed and threatened you. Get a lawyer. 

I find it mind-boggling for people who work for people unable to understand that the nurses are also people who get sick. 

[nursel56]

I'm sorry this is happening to you.  The supervisor's comments were beyond cruel, which is bound to have an impact on your state of mind aside from the specific threats made regarding your career.  Yeah, do whatever you need to fight fire with fire in the legal realm.  Best wishes in dealing with your recent health issues as well.

[mtmkjr, BSN]

What was the outcome of your ER visit?

[Sunshinedvb]

Did they admit you when you went to ER or they send you home ???

If they send you home it does not look good. If you were admitted and was treated inhouse you got a good case fighting it.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Medical emergencies are not patient abandonment.  Chest pain is a medical emergency.  That they are so cold hearted and down right evil in their response is mind boggling.

More than once I've sent nurses to the ER.   It doesn't matter what the outcome was, chest pain is a 911 call. 

You have nothing to worry about.  

[iNurs5, CNA]

3 hours ago, Tweety said:

Medical emergencies are not patient abandonment.  Chest pain is a medical emergency.  That they are so cold hearted and down right evil in their response is mind boggling.

More than once I've sent nurses to the ER.   It doesn't matter what the outcome was, chest pain is a 911 call. 

You have nothing to worry about.  

Former coworker, who was an RN, died on the floor while passing meds at work from a major heart attack. She left a few small children. 

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

8 hours ago, Honyebee said:

Former coworker, who was an RN, died on the floor while passing meds at work from a major heart attack. She left a few small children. 

That's dreadful.  We had a nurse have a stroke at work.  Thankfully she's fine but had to leave bedside nursing.  We're human too.

We are taught "pain is what the patient says it is" but when a nurse is having chest pain she's faking it to get out of work? 

[Gooday]

I was having difficult breathing do too sickness,  they were so short they called the staff doctor who gave me a breathing treatment so I could stay and work.   When you are a nurse and your sick its a bummer.  I did not want to leave so it worked out, if the breathing treatments would not have worked I would have been gone, gone gone.  I thought I was dying.