Home Health Care Situation Leads to Alleged Assault of Nurse

Case Overview

This case involves a home health nurse providing care to a young patient when they were allegedly sexually assaulted by the patient's biological parent. Prior to this incident, the nurse had expressed numerous safety concerns to their supervisors and requested a transfer away from the home environment. Despite these warnings, the nurse's concerns were reportedly overlooked, and they faced reprimands for previously contacting emergency services when feeling endangered. This situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of healthcare institutions in ensuring the safety of their employees, especially in vulnerable home care settings.

Questions to the Pediatric Nursing expert and their responses

Please describe your experience in healthcare administration as it pertains to this case.

I have 35 years of experience in the field of healthcare administration. I have served as a manager/Director of Nursing for a pediatric home health agency providing care in client homes, medical foster homes, and group homes.

Generally, what policies and procedures exist to investigate, respond to, and prevent sexual assault of employees?

Several policies and procedures exist to investigate, respond to, and prevent sexual assault of employees. Typically within the employee handbook or manual, there are policies regarding reporting problems in the home; grievance management, safety in the home; education provided regarding safety in the home; on the job injury/workers comp mechanisms.

About the expert

This expert has over 35 years of experience as a registered nurse with a focus in pediatric nursing. She earned her BSN from the University of Virginia before earning her MSN from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in health law from Nova Southeastern University. Currently, this expert is a certified family nurse practitioner and FCMSA medical examiner as well as a licensed registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse in Florida. She also stays active in her field as a member of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Health Care Compliance Association. Formerly, she was a clinical nurse specialist in the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Mary Medical Center and later a staff nurse in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Currently, she serves as the director of nursing and director of clinical services for a pediatric home health care system in Florida. In addition, she is also a volunteer APRN for a free clinic in Florida.

E-868180

Specialties:

Pediatric Nursing