If a nurse is assigned to see a home-bound patient daily, but did not show up for a week, notify anyone, and did not arrange for another nurse to see the patient, is this patient abandonment?

It is important to consider what the nurse-patient assignment involves.

Acceptance of a patient assignment may vary from setting to setting and requires a clear understanding of the workload and the agreement to provide care.

In this situation, since the nurse failed to see the patient for a week and failed to request another nurse visit, this may be considered patient abandonment.

A complaint should be reported to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).

Conduct, that is not actionable by the WABON is most appropriately addressed by the employer, consistent with employment laws, rules, and policies.