yes-almost 1 year ago my mom fell at home. tho she didn't appear to be hurt-she was confused. so she was taken to the hospital where she was evaluated and kept overnight for observation. We were told all her tests came back negative, however they placed her on the cardiac unit and in transporting her I noticed her EKG was abnormal. this was not mentioned to us. From this point on there continued a"tragedy of errors". she complained of back pain, but because it was the weekend, they did not bring anyone in to xray her, choosing instead to wait until Monday morning. she was given pain medication which made her groggy and unable to talk or swallow. no one came to feed her, they just set her tray by her bed. this went on for 2 days-she only ate or drank when a family member was there to give it to her. We sit up a constant vigil by her bedside. she was getting iv fluid but started to show signs of edema all over. on the 2nd day, I noticed she had very little urine output. I looked at her I&O sheet and saw she had put out only 50 cc last shift. I quickly brought all this to the nurse' attention who did not seem concerned about any of this. Mom had several MDs seeing her for different reasons and trying to catch up with them was next to impossible. we were told she had kidney and liver damage but again the Mds did not seem concerned-telling us that this could " turn around " at any time-this in an 81 yr. old woman with a hx of diabetes, hx of cva and possible heart attack! (no one ever told us she had a heart attack.) With much difficulty, after I brought to their attention that she wasn't taking anything in except iv fluid, they inserted a feeding tube. she was transferred to ICU where she became barely conscious with rapid breathing, they told me this was due to her agitation and when she calmed down, her breathing would return to normal. they worked on her all day, running all kinds of tests on her-they wanted to do exploratory surgery but her condition did not warrant it at this time. she was admitted to the hospital on Friday eve somewhat confused but otherwise herself-talking and joking, she died on monday morning. I feel she fell 'between the cracks" and this was a tragedy that did not have to end this way. It was a weekend-staff was short, most of the nurses seemed rushed and distracted except when she was transferred to ICU where everything humanly posssible was tried but too late. I was very angry for a long time and wanted some answers! However now I am just saddened that things happened the way they did. And answers won't give me peace-won't make any difference in the long run. Thanks for letting me vent-this helps too!

charlita and cheri4evr, I am so sorry to hear of your losses. I have not had any horrifying experiences like those that I have read of lately. I have had aquaintances say things though. And I have suggested that certain events happening as a result of questionable care of a patient be further investigated. I have had the experience of working with staff that I would not want to care for MY family members, and I have worked with those that I would trust without question. Unfortunately, it takes all kinds.

My deepest sympathies for your losses. I have not had any major slip ups. Usually when I visit a family member and staff find out I am a nurse the care improves Or so say the patients. I noticed a couple of errors when my daughter was in a major medical center. she was 15 mos with meningitis and a nurse left the side rail half way down. My daughter just called for me until I returned to the room and held her. Also with close friends and family, I offer to do part of their care so the nurses on the floor can be more available to other patients. We have all been there when short staffing makes giving the best care we can one of our biggest challenge of the day