HELP! They are investigating my license :( - Page 2

we are in a career that has a very high level of responsibility. I am so glad electronic charting and e-mars have come along. I feel safer knowing when I scan the med, scan the bracelet, it's recorded. I will be likely be working in a facility that doesn't have e-charting or a pxyis and it scares me. I'll be extra super aware and careful. My ablility to work as a nurse rests on my documentation of my actions. This all seems so easy when I don't have 3 meds due, a pt who just fell down, family who need to talk to me, an admission and someone in pain now!!!!!

I just shared my experience that is really similar to yours. It just doesn't seem right! I just hate not knowing!

Start a written diary now. You need to know the exact method of dispensing. Is it thru a code word,number or biometric with a finger. Know the exact procedure for crediting back drugs which are not dispensed. Is it credited back on the floor or in the PHARMACY? If this goes any further you will need specifics for an attorney to help you.

It's terrible this is happening to you. Was it just the amount of meds pulled or are there questions about documenting the use,time,effects, etc. whatever your facility is requiring you to document? Are you currently recovering from any addiction that may cause management "uneducated" suspicion? I know an administrator of a snf that used to call people who were flagging nurses due to their past addiction issues "uneducated ". She actually taught recoverey to others in administrative and supervising positions that this may not happen to her nurses. It seems like it could be similar in your case? I wonder why no drug testing for you. Why not give you the opportunity to prove your honor and correct your error? I'm sorry for you. You must be feeling overwhelmed right now and probably a little angry too. Good Luck and Good Health. Will be thinking of you. Update Us Soon.

First things first. Arizona is a "right-to-work state." This means that an employer can fire you for any reason and without union protection, you are at their mercy. If there is an Accudose or Pyxis machine dispensing the drugs, they can run a report to see the exact number of narcotics you pulled including all of your overrides. They may not accuse you of actually consuming the drugs but they can accuse you of diversion. So in essence they don't have to prove that you actually are physically taking for yourself, they can accuse you of taking them for whatever reason, "diversion."

I would hold off on any action until I hear the outcome of the facilities' investigation. Once you get that answer, my advice is to take a drug screen ASAP through a reputable lab and keep your documentation from that. Then, hire an attorney that specializes in professionals with a license. Yes, they are expensive but if it means saving your livelihood then it's worth every penny.

I would also research on the Arizona State Board of Nursing the CANDO program. Read everything you can find and get yourself ready to participate. The fact is, your employer already suspects you of wrong-doing and they will probably refer you to this program. These programs, offered to nurses in 25 states, are expensive and arduous but participating in them will save your license. Read, read, read. . .education is freedom!

I know you are freaking out and you have a terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach but arming yourself with information is the way out of this. All nurses need to be aware that handling narcotics is serious and watched very closely. Even if you are not guilty of what they're accusing you of, it would be irresponsible for the hospital to ignore the issue. What if you are guilty and they just ignored it, if a mistake occurs while a patient is in your care, the patient could sue the hospital and win because they were aware of a "potential problem" that they failed to address.

Please let us know what happens. I am thinking about you!

Abigail, It does sound bad, but speak to an attorney just for peace of mind. See if you can get a free consult one because you're not working and I will pray for you, it sounds like your being railroaded by someone out to get you. Speak to an AZ nurse/JD Good luck, Dianne

Administrative law is very different and you should not talk to anyone without talking with a lawyer. They can fire you for any reason they want if you are in an "at will'' state. If they turn you into the board do not go to any meeting without a lawyer. They will assume your quilty with or without one.