#36 Patient Abandonment versus Refusal of an UnSafe Assignment

Do you know your rights when faced with Unsafe patient assignments?   In this episode, I’m diving deep into a critical issue that’s been making the rounds—patient abandonment versus refusing an unsafe assignment. If you’re a nurse and you’re not crystal clear on the difference, listen up.   I came across a TikTok video from a PICU nurse named Alex. She was about to be the only nurse on shift for a ridiculous number of patients—six, eight, maybe ten. And you know what she did? She said, "I’m not doing that shit," and walked out. Damn right, she did. If you think taking on that kind of load is okay, you need to check yourself. Alex’s story is a wake-up call for every nurse out there—don’t let anyone guilt you into compromising your license or your patients' safety.   This episode is all about arming you with the knowledge you need. We’re breaking down what patient abandonment really means and how it’s different from refusing an unsafe assignment. We’ll take a look at what states like California, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kentucky have to say about it. Spoiler alert: a lot of these states don’t know what the hell they’re doing either, but I’m here to help you navigate the bullshit.   So, whether you’re dealing with a supervisor who thinks they can push you around or you’re just trying to figure out where the line is between standing up for yourself and getting fired, this episode is for you. And let me be clear—getting fired is a hell of a lot better than losing your damn license.   Tune in, take notes, and then take action. It’s time to stop letting these so-called leaders throw us under the bus. They’ve got nursing licenses too, and they can damn well be reported just like you and me. So, listen up, bitches—it's time to transform nursing, one nurse at a time.   Other links and resources mentioned: Episode 8. Advocates for Nurses with Maggie Ortiz- Utilize your knowledge of regulations and laws to stand up against unsafe work assignments and conditions. https://transformationnurseacademy.podbean.com/e/advocates-for-nurses-with-maggie-ortiz/ Episode 9. Reforming the ER: Bridging Patient Care and Research with Dr. Lisa Wolf- https://transformationnurseacademy.podbean.com/e/reforming-the-er-bridging-patient-care-and-research-with-dr-lisa-wolf/ —------------------------   Join our Facebook group and share your thoughts, experiences, and insights on transforming the nursing landscape and improving patient outcomes collectively.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/transformation.nurse.academy Join the conversation on our social media platforms!   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevin.er.nurse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevin_er_nurse/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KEVIN-ER-NURSE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kevin.Stansbury.RN