Can this nurse be saved?

[hotflashion]

Some of you old enough to recognize the structure of the title (Can this ... be saved?) might be amused. Maybe not. I come from a family that makes jokes when the circumstances are dire, and mine are dire right now.

I have to say, I shot myself in the foot.

I was recently fired. For writing another nurse's initials on a MAR. I did it on impulse, to plug the hole; I had nothing to personally gain from this action, and everything to lose.

I've had very few Nursing Jobs since graduating in 2009 after (oh, how ironic) a stellar academic career: two jobs were seasonal and two were at substandard places that did not do things the right way. At the first of those two places that did not do things the right way, I recognized it, felt that my license was in danger, gave my notice and kept my wits about me until I finished my two weeks. Then I reported them to the Department of Public Health and the Division of Industrial Accidents and got satisfaction from what was found.

The second time around, I felt more desperate to keep the job, and didn't pay attention to the danger signs that I was becoming overwhelmed. Instead of rising above it all, I allowed myself to be dragged down into the muck.

Both places I worked at filled holes in MARs at the end of the month. And in both places, although an attempt was made to get the nurse on shift to plug the hole, sometimes it was not possible and the hole was plugged, one way or another, by someone.

Is there anyway I can redeem myself?

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I actually got several writeups for not signing the defibrilator checks-a lot of the days I wasn't in charge and wasn't even at work. We were also strongly encouraged to go through the missing supplies and assign the product to a patient-wouldn't do that either.

But the initialing an MAR with another nurse's initials-yeah you shot off at least part of your right foot there. Did they catch it or did you admit it first. What if the patient had an adverse event to that very med-she would be blamed. BAD.

Fess up to what you did. If it was an only and you were pressured into doing it maybe that is on your side. Hate to lose a nurse who finall caught on though.

[WhereIsMyCallBell]

Deja VU!! Saw the same thing happen where i used to work. Mgmt filling in "holes" at the end of the month. tsk tsk... I used to get talked to about my "time management skills". Only because I would pull meds per MAR, actually give, or watch patient take their meds, (even if one by one) and then initial. Sorry, just my way of doing my job properly and per policy. I work as a nurse to take care of my patients and make sure they are getting what they need. Not to please mgmt. by doing a half a** job! I didn't care I was considered "slow" with my med pass by mgmt. or anyone else. Those that cut corners to get done quickly only to go sit at the nurses station and gossip, text etc. They got an " atta girl!" Then after the praises they'd have to fill those same nurses blanks at month's end. What's wrong with that picture?? I apologize for going on a bit of a tangent here. But MY license and lively hood comes above all else. Good thing you learned early on and just as everyone else says. Be up front, but bite your tongue and don't bash the employer when a potential job comes along and you're being interviewed. Good luck to you.

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[dianneoverby]

We all make mistakes. Usually when we make a mistake we never do that again. Dust off your boots and jump back in. Be upfront and honest about why you were terminated. I am a staffing nurse and will hire the honest person to give them another chance. Good luck with the new job.

[FMF Corpsman, MSN, RN]

Speaking of dusting off your boots, FIRST POST, WELCOME; dianneoverby