How many nurses here have their license currently suspended?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been an RN for 5 years. Two years ago, a small hospital in which I was practicing reported to my state BON every mistake I had made during my entire 2 years of employment. This happened AFTER a doctor and myself got into a very heated argument over a pt. I made the mistake of questioning his orders. This doctor is known for his fury! He is NEVER wrong! He reported to the DON the incident and she informed me I should submit to a drug screen for the doctor had stated: "She has errated behavior".

Well, I firmly 'planted my feet' and refused a drug screen unless the doctor also took one. Well, this went over like a 'turd in a punch bowl'. After approx one hour of discussion, I resigned after telling them all how I felt.

My license were placed on 2 year probation and I had to sign an Agreed Order with my state BON. I had NO idea how serious this was. I had no clue r/g an attorney so I signed the agreement.

The probation would have been up in Feb. BUT, I recently went to work for a small nursing home. My job responsibilities were: passing meds to 38 residents, skilled charting, assessing the skilled residents, breathing txments, wound care, and any admissions which came in, take orders off from incoming requests the day-shift nurse had requested, ordering all meds for residents.

I eventually made two med-errors which consisted of a med not given to two residents.I filled out a med error form.I also faxed an order for a resident to our out of state pharmacy and failed to place her name on the order. The pharmacy called almost immediatly for the name inwhich I supplied.

After approx 50 days into this job, the new hires, one of which at been there 6mos, were place in one day orientation. I was fired a few days later for the above incidents. This facility reported this to the board.

What you all need to understand about this night-mare is this: I stupidly signed an Agreed Order with the BON stating I would be PERFECT. You all know as well myself, we as nurses are NOT perfect no more than any one else in this world.

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As a nursing student, stories like these frighten me and give me a reality check. Thank you for sharing your story.

Your errors were human, your accountability was admirable, and you sound like a nurse I would respect.

You'll be in my prayers... best of luck to you.

Deanna

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this happened after a doctor and myself got into a very heated argument over a pt. i made the mistake of questioning his orders. this doctor is known for his fury! he is never wrong! he reported to the don the incident and she informed me i should submit to a drug screen for the doctor had stated: "she has errated behavior".

i just dont understand why a nurse is being reported to bon for questioning doctor's order? isnt it nurses job to question doctor's order? because i've seen few times when doctors made a mistake when writing an order, one of which doctor prescribed morphine surfate to a patient and the dosage was too high and if a nurse have followed that order, she could have killed that patient. and what was the reason why your license was on probation?

i eventually made two med-errors which consisted of a med not given to two residents.i filled out a med error form.i also faxed an order for a resident to our out of state pharmacy and failed to place her name on the order. the pharmacy called almost immediatly for the name inwhich i supplied. after approx 50 days into this job, the new hires, one of which at been there 6mos, were place in one day orientation. i was fired a few days later for the above incidents. this facility reported this to the board.

can a emoloyer report a nurse to a bon, even though she had filled out a med error form?

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If I were you, I would clarify with the BON EXACTLY what your work parameters are. Then I would see if the facility really had grounds for termination. And finally, I would still speak with an attorney. After all, this is your profession you're talking about!!

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Specializes in ER.

Where I live it is in the BON regs that if a nurse is let go from a facility the employer must make a report as to why to the board. However they can only report a problem for 90 days after the event, so they can't dredge up everything you've ever done wrong.

My last job I took a look at the assignment and walked out, but then came back for my next shift and then they fired me. I should have kept walking, frankly. Luckily when the Board got the complaint they only took one meeting to dismiss it.

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What state are you in?

I can't see that happening here. People make errors all the time, maybe they make out an incident report maybe they don't, I have never heard of the hospital reporting anyone to the BON.

I'd find an attorney that specializes in this type of thing.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I had a friend who was involved in a major med error (the pt. coded and did make it but had adverse consequences long after the error) and they wanted her to be drug screened about an hour after it happened. She refused, and now she is going to have to go in front of the board. I think a big reason why the board is after her is because she refused that drug screen. Just some food for thought.

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Wow, it sounds like you need a good lawyer. Did you ever get legal help?

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm sorry for what you are unfairly going through. I got in a hotly debated situation with a cardiologist and I am so blessed that my employer stood behind me 100%. He demanded that I no longer be able to take care of anymore cardiac patients and admistration told him that he was dead wrong and sadly mistaken if he thought that would ever happen. He is the #1 major money maker for our hospital. Needless to say I feel very blessed.

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I live in KY

I do have an attorney at this time. I only wish I had gotten one 2 years ago..

Huggs to you all for responding....no can know how devastating this situation is to me BUT a group of nurses who had their lives turned upside down going through nursing which at times was sssssoooo over-whelming it was as if we 'walked through hell with gasoline britches on'

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Specializes in Operating Room.

As a student, this frightens me too!

Can you work with your license suspended? Do you have a grace period to get it reissued or something, or are you immediately terminated from your employment?

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I hope you are blessed next year with some good news. It is hard to have faith when the people you are dealing with are soooooooooo despicable. This just proves the point your nurse manager can make or break your career. I have been so blessed & lucky but I dont stay around anywhere the managers are corporate climbers or dont care about the nurses. Left a really good paying job because of management change & change in philosophy. Every time I hear a horror story like yours (and it is way too often) it really make me want to change professions, but I love the patients and the nursing skills we use

I will pray for you

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