I recently returned to work(off caring for my mother s/p a hip surgery). I work at the bedside in ICU/PCUs. I worked on the front lines when the Coof ramped up(3 years ago). Upon returning to work I was surprised to see that Remdesivir was still being ordered for Coof+ patients with the kidney/liver damage that it causes. I have never given the vax and won't; I won't give Remdesivir(I am unvaxxed and I refused Remdesivir in December 2021 when I was an inpatient with the Coof...or whatever it truly is...). If I can locate the studies/finding should I have copies of the Remdesivir trials? Will I be asked to leave/be fired for refusing to administer dangerous treatments? I am, also, sending this question to America's Frontline Doctors...not sure if I will get an answer....BTW, thank you to everyone on this site. It makes me feel "less crazy"!
Looking for legal advice regarding my job as a nurse. What are the consequences if I refuse to administer/give Remdesivir, the Vax, etc.? Do I have any legal recourse as an "advocate"?
LAWFAGS IN THE HOUSE?
You need to talk to a lawyer.
You know what is within your scope of practice. So, if you think a drug is the wrong treatment that may harm a patient, you talk to the ordering physician about it and make your case.
If he still thinks it's the right call and you still disagree, you have a chain of command to use. Ultimately, you're going to potentially burn bridges depending on how far you take this.
If you refuse under any circumstances, expect that your manager is going to have to intervene and you may be written up -> terminated for it.
Do you have malpractice insurance to cover you if you relent and give the drug, and end up getting sued months later? Just as a practical bit of advice, I think every licensed healthcare worker should carry malpractice insurance.
Refusal to give care may also end up being reported to your state's licensing board resulting in strikes on your license or revocation depending on how the board adjudicates it.
Ultimately, you really need to talk to a lawyer and you need to talk to someone intimately familiar with 1) your state's laws, 2) your particular nursing contract and specific rights and responsibilities you have at your place of work. Breach of contract can still get you fired. Be aware that fighting this fight will certainly lead to consequences, the very least of which is establishing for yourself a reputation which will follow you to other jobs. If you haven't already, start documenting every step you take here. If you're really a nurse, you already know why =)