Misunderstood

Nurses Disabilities

Published

Being sick from intentional heavy metal poisoning from a past relationship, left me in a tough situation. I was in debilitating pain while for over a year no etiology was found. When in was identified it was so unbelievable that my peers, friends, co-workers and associates didn't understand it or have a base point to gage my illness. It was then perceived as I was crazy or hypochondriac. I was married to a crazy actual sociopath. He had done the same thing to his last wife and when it happened to me he was investigated for attempted murder but not charged. I had a fight to stay healthy was in gear and searching wellness by over 30 MD, DO and holistic approaches which several I paid out of pocket for. I had gone to Mayo and seen so many specialty Doctors looking for the answer to the cause of the illness and how to regain health. However, in the mean time a bogus and I mean completely BOGUS complaint was filed by a spiteful nurse supervisor after I had a nervous breakdown. Even though I was under a MD for pain management with as few as possible medications it was looked at as wrong. Her complaint even had my medications wrong, listing ones I wasn't even on! I have never had a desire and still don't to be on any kind of medication. I've been a personal trainer and health nut longer than being a nurse. I practice Yoga, Meditation and other healing avenues. I have never drank, smoked or done anything that could be damaging to my body, for religious and personal beliefs and values. I don't even drink soda, eat junk food or city water. My health is too valuable. For the board to look at the small slice of my life regarding medications, but ignore the fact I have refused more prescriptions than handed out is like being accosted. When was too ill to even take a shower, going to work or dealing with the Board of Nursing was impossible. Before the censure I had moved and not been compliant with the terms. My license was suspended and I didn't care, at that point I thought I would never be well and able to work. I was also grieving over a boyfriend that had committed suicide while I was in the next room and other unfortunate family tragedies that left me with PTSD. The PTSD was diagnosed a year later. I had already applied for disability. Why is it the Board of Nursing has no compassion for sick nurses? They have a program if your a substance abuser, but not one for other illness. I am now better after years of strict healthy eating, off many prescriptions and less stress life. My option is to surrender my license, I want to eventually get it back for the principle of clearing my name. If later it looks like I can work then wonderful. Has anyone faced this issue? Being completely misjudged and not heard? I thought the truth would overcome the allegations, I was wrong. The effects of the poisoning is the issue not the medications! IS THERE HOPE?

kakamegamama

1,030 Posts

Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

If you have not contacted an attorney to assist you, it would be good for you to do so. We cannot give legal advice. It sounds like you have had an extremely difficult time in your life. Hang in there and the best to you.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,987 Posts

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I echo what the previous poster said about legal advice; you really do need to find an attorney who knows something about the laws governing nursing practice in your state.

A lot of nurses make the mistake of thinking the Board of Nursing is there to protect them. Nothing could be further from the truth. They exist to protect the public from US, and they are definitely not your friend. Hence the need for legal representation, you should never approach the BON on your own.

Best of luck to you. It seems like you've been through a lot and I hope you get a break from it. (((((HUGS)))))

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