13
Independent documentation system: Assignment Despite
Objection (ADO)
One of the first steps in the advocacy process is documentation.
The ADO is a tool that allows the RN to document unsafe condi-
tions that may put patients and, as a result, your license at risk.
A few examples of reasons to fill out an ADO include: unsafe
floating, insufficient skill mix, or patients placed inappropriately
on the unit who require a higher level of care.
Filling out an ADO at the time you believe the assignment is unsafe
is a formal notification to management and protects your licen-
sure in the case of a bad outcome in the course of the assignment.
ADOs are admissible in court and are protected under federal labor
law. You cannot be disciplined or retaliated against for filling out
an ADO. Often, filling out an ADO, or even threatening to fill one
out, is sufficient to force change in staffing practices.
