Frustrated with nursing

loriangel14, RN · Oct 31, 2015

Was the rejection due to the reprimand?

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2015

Other than flat out falsifying a record, I can't imagine what kind of "documentation issue" the BON would concern themselves with, since the majority of reprimands and revocations center around things like narcotic diversion, patient abuse and failure to pay student loans or child support.

I think there's maybe more to the story?

GoldieRN1 · Nov 1, 2015

My reprimand was about modifying the dose of lantus, I gave less then the ordered amount and I made the mistake of not going back to revise my charting and telling the nurse for the changing shift what I did, it was a big mistake as a new grad. I was terminated and my license was sent to the boards for falsifying documentation and I ended up with a reprimand based on not calling the doctor regarding the insulin and falsifying documentation. I applied for a NY license and they gave it to me after the reprimand, California declined my application and they said those were grounds for revocation or suspension of a license.

GoldieRN1 · Nov 1, 2015

If New York gave me a chance, I've been working in ICU, no other incidents since the initial disclipine why is California making it so difficult?

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

If New York gave me a chance, I've been working in ICU, no other incidents since the initial disclipine why is California making it so difficult?

Because each state gets to make their own rules and California is notoriously hard line??

I honestly don't know, just guessing from things people have said about California.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 1, 2015

Did you have malpractice insurance then? If so, contact them.

But yes, usually if you are self modifying medication without an order that is a huge red flag. Equally as a new grad, with little experience. And something that you usually don't "go back and fix" documenting wise, but have the correct order to begin with. Which with Lantus just doesn't make sense, as it is long acting, etc.etc and you know all this as a critical care nurse. Where was your preceptor when all this was happening? Were you directed to do this? Those would be the 2 key questions in discussions with an attorney, from your malpractice insurance or otherwise.

So yes, as it stands, it would make one take pause, especially in a stricter state such as CA. And 4+ years ago, I don't think there was such a sheer number of nurses looking for work as now--so people can be and are taking a harder line, and the regulations change all the time regarding getting a license in certain states.

SleeepyRN · Nov 1, 2015

My reprimand was about modifying the dose of lantus, I gave less then the ordered amount and I made the mistake of not going back to revise my charting and telling the nurse for the changing shift what I did, it was a big mistake as a new grad. I was terminated and my license was sent to the boards for falsifying documentation and I ended up with a reprimand based on not calling the doctor regarding the insulin and falsifying documentation. I applied for a NY license and they gave it to me after the reprimand, California declined my application and they said those were grounds for revocation or suspension of a license.

That really really sucks, buuuuut.....that was technically prescribing without a license. You changed the dose. You "prescribed" a different dose and didn't notify the doctor.

I'd say it's definitely grounds for revocation of a license. But, sheesh. You were a new grad, probably doing what many other nurses told you to do. You've learned your mistake (I'm assuming.) As for appeal, I've found it best that admitting complete fault and all the steps you've taken afterward matter a great deal in anything in life.

Appeal. Take full and sole responsibility. Say how you learned from your error in judgment, and prove to them what a valuable competent nurse you have since become.

GoldieRN1 · Nov 1, 2015

Trust me, I see the error of my ways and I take full responsibility for my actions, I'm definitely a better nurse now but it's unfortunate I have to continue to pay for my mistake each time I apply for a job or a new license. I thought about advancing my degree maybe doing physical therapy just to rid myself of my nursing license but it's like a shadow in the background

GoldieRN1 · Nov 1, 2015

I didn't have malpractice insurance. The environment of the hospital was the total opposite from what I learn in nursing school, the nurses worked there for 15 to 20yrs and they practiced above their scope all the time because they didn't want to wake up the cardio thoracic surgeons. This incident happened 5yrs ago but I remembered going to my charge nurse and I ran the scenario by her and she said "I wouldn't wake the surgeon up about some lantus." If I can go back in time I would change it, what I know now I wish I could tell myself back them to call the doctor. This affected my well being.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

I have to continue to pay for my mistake each time I apply for a job or a new license.

An unfortunate reality. You have, literally, a red flag on your license that shows up every time anyone accesses your license on Nursys. In some cases there is a PDF file of the whole sad tale that brought it about. One of my early nurse mentors got her license revoked in two states for alcohol abuse. Anyone can read about her showing up for work with alcohol on breath and it going downhill from there.

Keep all the paperwork of your case on file, forever. You will need to explain and send copies of the resolution from the state that reprimanded you to any state you apply for a license to.

CryssyD · Nov 1, 2015

I'm so sorry you have to go through all this--I know how a black mark on your license will haunt you. I have a reprimand on my license for getting a DUI, which wasn't even work-related, so I kind of know how you feel. Go ahead and consult with a lawyer and really think about filing an appeal.

Did you have to take any courses, or do anything to help you learn from your mistake? If you haven't, maybe you should take some continuing ed courses in legal aspects of nursing, preventing med errors, stuff like that, to help show that you are being serious about learning more about your role and responsibilities as a nurse; see if you can get letters of recommendation or endorsement from recent employers and/or co-workers--support from other nurses might help.

Good luck--I hope it works out.