RN with public Reprimand Inspiration

Nursing Students NP Students

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I am writing this post because I feel there a lot of Registered Nurses who have received license discipline out there who feel like they have no where to turn.

In the year 2007 I recieved a public reprimand with no restrictions, and with no stipulations. I made a charting transcription/documentation error on a controlled substance that I recieved no help or direction on from my leadership to help me fix. I was a nurse for just over a year, who had been out on maternity leave and therefore because it was longer than a year that I technically had graduated, I did not qualify for prep program. Nonetheless it is done with now, and nothing can be done to change it. I am in the Healthcare Databank because I recieved a reprimand.

I am an Emergency Room Nurse, that it still working, and I hold two jobs in local ER's. I am also in an RN - BSN program that I am one year away from completing. I am an Honors student.

I am continuing on to obtain my APRN -in Mental Health and become a holistic practitioner. I REFUSE to let an action that was a mistake define me. I refuse to give up and take what is just given to me like it was some kind of "leftover". There is absolutely no support or statistics found on the web regarding nurses who are reprimanded and their career prospects. yes, I have to explain my mistake at EVERY interview, but I find that ALL nurses and management are VERY supportive and understanding. There are just a few jobs I have not been successful in making it past HR, but mainly the problem in employment is moreso because I have an 2 year ADN and not a BSN. (soon this will change and I will have my bachelors). I plan on heading to Graduate school for my DNP. I have contacted some schools and because my license in not encumbered, I am ok to attend the program. I do have to submit an extra letter to explain my error, but nothing to much out of the way.

Everything in nursing has been possible for me, including obtaining my Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner credential. Most things I have had to do an extra step such as an explanation, but not ususally much more.

I want others to not look at this as a limitation, but something that helps you narrow down your life purpose and what you are meant to do and who you are meant to work for. I am a recent trauma survivor, and I have overcome so very much in my life, and I plan on using my experiences to give others hope. There are many many patients out there that need hope and inspiration, and If I am the nurse that gets to do it, then what a privilege it is for me to know and take care of that patient. To show them that they should never ever give up on their dreams, and just because life hands you some pretty extenuating circumstances, these do NOT define you. Look at them as a direction to help you get to the path you are meant to be on sooner. I am still a Registered Nurse, with full rights to practice. I have a public reprimand. I am aware of it, and there is nothing I can do about it. But use it to my advantage.

Keep Working and keep striving for your dreams. Don't quit just becuase it is a little harder for you than others. Be proud of all you have been through and help others in a similar situation. BE THE CHANGE. A reprimanded nurse - knows how blessed she is to be one.

Free73

3 Votes
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

Great post! Keep at it!! Your just showing people your much bigger than your mistake!

0 Votes
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Awesome!!! I hope more people will see your inspiring post! :up::up::up:

You have built in your mistake a wonderful nursing career. :)

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Thank you PatMac10. I will not give up. We must encourage one another.....it can be brutal out there.

Love + light...

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Thank you Ladyfree28. I want others to be motivated to make their lessons work for them..we each have something to offer another through our trials...the jewel is there..we just have to look a little harder than others at times....but the gift it can give to others is priceless!

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I also got reprimand on my CNA certification (patient abandonment)without telling my house supervisor when I was working as CNA. My name is in the National Data Bank. Now, I have a BSN but I cannot find a job not even get any interview. I can not go back to correct my past but I have been trying to make a better future by being a new person.

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Hi!

This was a great post. I am in a similar situation and feeling defeated. I have a public reprimand from the CA BRN. The accusation came when I was new grad and from another state. My home state moved it over and charged me. In the original state I didn't receive any support and plead guilty to the original charges even though I didn't do what I was accused of. I was working and wanted to continue working.

The he original accusation moved over to CA last year and my mentors, leaders, and attorneys helped me fight it. Unfortunately, I recieved a public reprimand with an active/unrestricted license. Even though my license is unrestricted the accusation is holding me back from finding a job. I haven't been able to find a job, because of the accusation. Even though I am honest with mgrs about the accusation and they want to offer me the job, HR usually stops it. Is there a way to overcome this? I am feeling very defeated. I am also back in graduate school doing my DNP/FNP. From what I've read on the CA BRN website a public reprimand stays for 3 years. I've been trying to move forward, but unable to because of this reprimand. Please help!

0 Votes
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum.

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Specializes in Behavioral health and Corrections.

CCuser, this post is heaven sent!!!!!! I am so glad I found this post, I just wish I had found it a year and a half ago!!! This is the positivity I've been searching for!!!! It warms my heart to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. All I read is negativity on this site and a bit of positivity is quite refreshing. What gets me is once the bad portion is posted most nurses do not give updates on their progress which leaves one wondering what happened. Thank you once again for confirming that although it will be difficult, a reprimand is NOT a career death sentence.

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Emerald 1. It is NOT a death sentence. I am pleased to report that 2 years ago - only 2 months after making this post i landed the job of my dreams as a Nurse Coach. I do in person health and wellness coaching! I also was accepted into graduate school. Into the BSN to DNP program doing exactly what i want to do. Change your thoughts around - and turn it into something. There is a reason for everything and there is a jewel somewhere in your situation. Thats what you tell your interviewers. I told everyone of them that i wouldnt change a single thing. Not one thing!

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Specializes in Behavioral health and Corrections.

CCuser your positivity is infectiously beautiful. I love it!! I really wish there were more posts out there like this. I really can't thank you enough!! Just the thought of knowing furthering my career is still an option on the table is a big relief! Thank you so much and God bless you!!

0 Votes
Specializes in lots of specialties.

CCUser, how is school coming?

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