Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1521816
RNs in Motion » 23 Collective Advocacy PATIENT ADVOCACY— OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE MUCH ADO ABOUT STAFFING Q: What are ADOs, and what do they have to do with me? A: These forms are documentation tools that provide a means for you to object to an unsafe, or potentially unsafe, patient-care assignment. Q: Why should I fill one out? A: If, in your professional judgment, you believe a patient- care assignment is unsafe, or potentially unsafe, you have a legal and professional obligation to notify your employer, so the problem can be corrected and injury or harm to a patient can be averted. If your employer decides not to correct the situation, that response needs to be documented in order to protect yourself in the event of adverse outcomes for the patients or other staff. Q: What if the supervisors disagree with my assessment, or state they are unable to correct the problem? A: You should advise them that an ADO form will be completed. Q: Does each RN working on the floor need to fill out a separate ADO in this situation? A: No. In fact, it's more effective for all the affected nursing staff to sign the form as a show of consensus about the unsafe situation. Q: What if we're too busy to fill out an ADO form? A: Make sure that you fill out the "Action" section at the very bottom of the form. The remaining information on the form can be filled in later, or after your shift. Q: Where do the ADO forms go after we fill them out? A: The top page goes to your supervisor, the second page goes to your PPC, the third page goes to your labor rep, and the fourth page is yours to keep. Q: Can I be disciplined or harassed for filling out an ADO? A: No. Most supervisors and nursing managers understand that this is an activity protected by law. If you believe your manager is trying to interfere with or discourage you and your coworkers from using the form, notify your nurse representative/shop steward immediately. Helpful Hints on Using the ADO » Designate someone on your unit/floor as the official "ADO monitor" — they will be the one to make sure the supplies are adequate and will take responsibility for forwarding all completed forms from your floor to the PPC. » Make a call to the supervisor before filling out an ADO. Document the time you spoke with them and their response to your staffing concerns (see "Action" section). » You can fill out the remaining sections later in the shift or at the end of your shift. Those sections describe the reasons for your assessment that an unsafe situation existed. » When filling out an ADO, remember to press firmly so that your copy will be legible. » Instructions and corresponding regulations are contained on the back of the ADO forms. ADOs Used Properly » Eliminate administration deniability. » Create a historical record. » Establish a database. » Track trends. » Can be used as evidence in court, state agencies, and state legislatures.