Lessons from a Nursing Home Incident
A couple of weeks ago, I put out a video on nursing documentation. In that video, I touched on how falsifying documentation can lead to devastating outcomes, including having your nursing license suspended or revoked.
Fast forward to today, and we’re reading headlines about 18 staff members arrested at a nursing home facility.
Let me tell you, my anxiety went through the roof reading this story.
Imagine going to work, ready to provide care, only to be arrested and denied bond.
How does something like this even happen? While we don’t have all the details, what we do know is that a resident tragically passed away.
And falsifying documentation played a significant role in this event. Let’s unpack this.
Falsifying Documentation: A Willful Act
When we falsify documentation, we are intentionally documenting actions or interventions we didn’t complete. Intentionally.
This isn’t about forgetting to chart something or making a minor mistake; this is an ethical and professional violation that can lead to serious consequences—for residents, facilities, and the nurses involved.
Think about it: 18 people involved in a single incident. This isn’t just about one person making a mistake: it’s a systemic failure.
Protecting Your Residents and Your License
Nothing is more important than the care you provide and protecting your residents and your nursing license.
I had an article published on falsifying documentation in The Director: Official Journal of the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care, and I want to share some practical steps every nurse should take:
Adhere to Policy and Procedures. These are your roadmap for providing consistent and quality care. Follow them.
Never Document What You Didn’t Do. Documentation is a legal record—accuracy is critical.
Avoid Following Trends. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it right. Stick to ethical practices.
Validate Before You Document. Double-check assessments, interventions, and outcomes before putting pen to paper.
Notify Supervisors When You Can’t Complete a Task. Transparency ensures care is completed and allows your team to step in if needed.
Know Your Nurse Practice Act
Here’s the thing: under the Nurse Practice Act, falsifying documentation isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal.
It’s a breach of professional standards that can lead to licensure revocation, legal charges, and devastating outcomes for residents.
Familiarize yourself with your state’s Nurse Practice Act to understand your responsibilities and the consequences of failing to meet them.
The Ripple Effect
This incident is a harsh reminder that our actions don’t occur in isolation.
Falsifying documentation can lead to survey deficiencies, financial penalties for the facility, and, most importantly, harm to the residents we are entrusted to care for.
It also affects our coworkers, families, and communities who depend on us to uphold the highest standards of care.
Leadership Matters
For nurse leaders, this is a call to action: foster a culture where honesty is valued over perfection.
Create an environment where asking for help is encouraged, not frowned upon.
No nurse should feel so overwhelmed that they choose shortcuts over integrity.
Closing Thoughts
Let this story remind us all of the critical role documentation plays—not just as a task but as a testament to the care we provide.
Protect your residents. Protect your license. Protect your integrity.
"Planning and preparation produce positive outcomes."
#ProtectYourLicense #NursingAccountability #ResidentCare #NursingLeadership #NursingResponsibilities #EthicalNursing
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