Two nursing home residents argue for several minutes on Sunday. The staff watch but don't take any action. A few staff members laugh and joke about what's going on, including you. The verbal altercation progresses to pushing and shoving and both residents are transported to a local hospital, one for chest pain and the other for hip pain after being pushed. You are the only nurse who witnessed the incident. The Director of Nursing asks you to write a statement of what occurred and you do so on Monday. On Tuesday, you are placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the internal investigation. On Wednesday, you meet with the Director of Nursing, Administrator, and Human Resources Manager. You are terminated for allegations of failing to promote patient safety and unprofessional conduct in the workplace.
The family of a resident "goes to the press" and this incident is receiving what seems like non-stop coverage by the local news and print media. On Thursday, you receive a phone call from the state Board of Nursing investigator who interviews you on the phone and asks you to mail her a statement on what occurred. You write another statement because you didn't ask for a copy of the statement you provided to your former employer.
What is the purpose of a statement?
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