Reference no: EM133766093

Question

Nurse Kirk was employed as a charge nurse with supervisory duties. A short time after one of her patients was admitted with Toxic Shock Syndrome. Believing the physician would order antibiotics, Nurse Kirk reviewed the admitting orders but did not any order for an antibiotic. Nurse Kirk then notified the nursing director of the unit and was told, "Document your findings but stay out of the matter." Nurse Kirk did not follow the directive of the nursing director and discussed the patient's condition and lack of orders with the chief of staff. Although the chief of staff took appropriate steps to treat the patient, the patient died. Once the director found out what Nurse Kirk had done, she terminated Nurse Kirk.