new nurse, trouble already

Nurses Safety

Published

I ended up at what unbeknownst to me was the worst ltc facility in my area. I'm now deep into a state investigation. I'm catching all the blame. I was informed that I've potentially violated two state statutes of the nurse practice act. If found guilty I'll be fined and license suspended for a year. I'm going to get an attorney. Has anyone else been through this? What was the outcome? Also how will this impact my education? I'm currently in school to get my r.n. degree.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You are right on - get an attorney. Don't discuss any of this with anyone including on the internet. We wish you the best...an attorney is your best friend at this point.

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I just wish this hadn't happened on the weekend. I can't get a consultation until Monday. I'm just in complete shock as I've only been a nurse a few months.

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I am so sorry you got caught up in the mess. :confused:

Get prepared this weekend for your appointment on Monday. Get a copy of the state nurse practice act, and a copy of your company's policies and handbook. This is NOT legal advice, but sometimes the practice act has a number of gray areas that are facility based decisions on what a nurse can/can not do. Take notes on your orientation, what you learned, who you learned it from, and be well prepared with everything you can think of that happend and did not happen while you were employed. If you are a union facility be in touch with your union rep. If you are not a union facility, company policy and handbook is key.

Best of luck to you in this.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I am so sorry you are experiencing this.....:hug:

My best advice is to say NOTHING to ANYONE especially on a public forum. Even though it is the weekend and you are anxious and upset SAY NOTHING, TALK TO NO ONE ABOUT ANYTHING......until you speak to an attorney. If you have malpractice notify them immediately.

I wish you the very best and send positive vibes.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

1. Shut up. I mean that kindly--as others have said, you should not be talking about this case publicly. The internet is not as anonymous as you think; t won't take much for a savvy person to put the clues together and figure out who you are and the facility involved. So don't discuss it here or at other forums, on Facebook, on your blog, anywhere online for that matter.

In fact, practice the same discretion with whoever you talk about it with in person as well, because you never know if/when something you say will end up being used against against you.

2. Lawyer up. Follow your lawyer's advice to a T. Do not face any investigatory organization or board without a lawyer standing by your side, even if it's just an "informal" hearing...and especially if they tell you a lawyer "isn't necessary" for this meeting.

3. As far as the impact on your school or career...I can understand why you are worried but right now your focus should be on getting through the investigation. Because the outcome of the investigation will definitely affect your future, you should be working towards obtaining the best outcome possible.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm sorry you are having problems so soon and agree with everyone about getting an attorney ASAP. That being said, however, it's the responsibility of everyone to know what's and is not within their legal scope of practice.

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Specializes in nursing education.

Best wishes to you. So sad this happened.

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Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advice and support. Monday can't get here fast enough.

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Specializes in PCU.

God bless and best of luck.

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Specializes in LTC.
:( So sorry this has happened to you, what a terrible situation.
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I am sorry to hear about your experience.You made the right choice to get an attorney. You need to know your rights and your options as an employee. Good luck and don't lose hope!

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