BON investigaton

Nurses Professionalism

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I received a call from an investgator. I haven been accused of being impaired at a job I quit 5 months ago. Anyone have a story similar?

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Nope. Were you impaired?

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Nope I was not. Thanks for the comment

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

I didn't want to assume either way. Is it reasonable to say that the quitting was under circumstances that were not peachy? Was the complaint from a supervisor or patient? If from a supervisor, just be honest. IE , "I gave them two weeks notice. They're chronically understaffed and were upset because they had to find someone else. I'm happy to submit to any testing. My supervisors at my last five jobs would give me good references, and I'm happy to provide contact information. This allegation is unfounded, and frankly a bit offensive." Etc

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

If it were me I would call my malpractice company and get an attorney to draft a letter to the facility stating that they provide evidence of this accusation and if they cannot to cease and desist or they will face legal action for defamation of Character. I would also have a lawyer familiar with professional practice issues review any correspondence before you send an answer to the BON.

Hppy

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I did get a lawyer. I have read so many stories about the board actions. Single mom, no family. Its scary.

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Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.
If it were me I would call my malpractice company and get an attorney to draft a letter to the facility stating that they provide evidence of this accusation and if they cannot to cease and desist or they will face legal action for defamation of Character. I would also have a lawyer familiar with professional practice issues review any correspondence before you send an answer to the BON.

Hppy

In regards to the bolded sentence and your company, they are not going to be doing any of this. Writing threatening letters is not something that is a covered exposure under your malpractice policy, coverage is not triggered and counsel will not be provided. If you want a lawyer to do this, you can retain your own and pay for him/her.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
In regards to the bolded sentence and your malpractice insurance company, they are not going to be doing any of this. Writing threatening letters is not something that is a covered exposure under your malpractice policy, coverage is not triggered and counsel will not be provided. If you want a lawyer to do this, you can retain your own and pay for him/her.

I think maybe you're generalizing coverage plans a bit too broadly. There are plans that don't provide license defense coverage, but it's been included in every plan I've ever had, so it actually is quite possible that someone's coverage does actually cover license defense, which would be triggered in an active investigation against someone's license as described here.

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Specializes in ER.

I feel your pain. You said your are innocent. I have a long, pristine track record at work. I don't drink or do drugs. I never call off. I show up on time and stay focused. But, two years ago, I was investigated by the Department of Health based on an "anonymous complaint." The investigator showed up at the ER while I was at work, chased away our risk management officer by convincing all involved that the situation had nothing to do with my work at the hospital, then, when we were a lone, told me that I may be charged with a felony for "practicing medicine beyond my scope of practice," and my RN license was at risk. (Seems like that has something to do with my job, right?)

I had done massage since I was a child and regularly used my gift to help out friends. It was a hobby, not a business, and it was never about money. Massage is still unregulated in some states, legal for RN's in others, but it a FELONY for an RN in Florida if you're not also an LMT. I started out extremely naive, being open, honest and cooperative because I felt I had nothing to hide. Wrong approach. Openness works well in personal relationships with normal, reasonable human beings, but it can be quickly twisted against you in a legal setting. In my case, the investigation resulted in a stressful year, but it inspired a really good book.

The advice you are getting here is good. You were right to get a lawyer if you career is as stake. You should ultimately be exonerated.

Hold your head high, and move on to a better future as quickly as the system allows. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Did they test you for impairment at the time? If not, I don't think you have anything to worry about. If they were truly concerned they would have. You can't prove a negative...you can't prove you were NOT impaired. They have to prove you WERE. Use a lawyer and try not to worry.

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