Threatened to be Fired for "patient safety" issues.

This sounds awful, I'm really sorry you have to go through this. Your worst mistake was giving the Vicodin after only 1 1/2 hour. Your manager sounds very unethical, unprofessional, and sociopathic. I don't know what the best course of action is, but the whole thing sounds terrible.

I just want to say that its really nice to read a post asking advice from someone who is willing to admit their mistakes and tell the whole story...not just one side of it. Whatever happens at this job or the next, your honesty and willingness to accept responsibility will carry you far. Best of luck.

I'm sorry your going through this. Work is stressful enough without having to deal with a NM like that. Like other posters have said, I would RUN from this place. It does sound as though your NM has had it in for you from day one, when you told her you were pregnant. I feel that things will only get worse for you at that place, unless the culprit (NM) leaves. Find a place with better managment support. I would hate the feeling of someone breathing down my neck at work, just waiting for me to mess up so they can hold that against me. That would be enough to make a person make even more mistakes. I hope the best for you and hope you get outta there sooooon!!!

I would fight for my job. Just so that in the future you won't have a do not rehire in your file. I wouldn't worry about them turning you in for drug errors to the BON. I think they save that for nurses that were diverting the drugs to themselves. But I could be wrong. Once the meeting is over and if you have been reinstated I wouuld either put in a transfer to another unit or turn in my 2 weeks notice. Like you say you would be due around that time and you can use that time to spend with your new baby.

This is so much to go through when you are pregnant and esp. with your first child. I hope that you will take some time to relax. I'll bet that somehow things wil work out for you even if it means leaving that place. I think the fact that you admit you made errors (and we all do) says a lot about your willingness to learn.

I must agree with the other posters, your NM sounds like a mean person and it sure does not sound like you had much of an orientation.

Best wishes to you and your baby.

I think it depends on how easy it is to find a job in your area. If you can easily walk into another job, I'd just cut my losses and go as this place isn't worth the stress and strain it's putting on you. You do not appear to be an unsafe nurse. I just think you've got a real creep for a boss. As others have said, put yourself FIRST, not a job. And now you've learned that when you have that niggling little feeling in the back of your mind that maybe the situation isn't a good one, listen to it and run. I, too, have learned that the hard way, but now I always listen to that little voice that tells me a situation may not be a good one.

crimson, NO WAY will you be disciplined by the BON for this stuff. Don't worry about it at all.

Crimson and Clover,

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this. you especially don't need this bs while you're pregnant. I would go to the hearing, and I would be sure you have aunion rep with you, at the very least. If you can afford it, I would bring a lawyer.

I am aware of two situation in which an employee brought a lwayer with them to an employer hearing, and both times, the employer backed right down.

I agree with the other posters here that your mgr is basically a nut.

From your posts, you appear to be a very intelligent nurse with a lot of insight.
I know you want to fight for your job. Maybe you can transfer to another unit?

Whatever the outcome, we're rooting for you.

And congrats on your pregnancy!

You are responsible for knowing the professional standards such as neuro checks every 15 minutes, there should be a policy manual on the floor that you should be referencing.

To prove the racial and pregnancy issues your manager will have to agree that she said them ( unless there is a witness).

If this is your first job and you get an employment attorney you may be black balled from other positions. Who are you going to get for a reference?

The nurse manager sounds like the nurse manager from hell. That being said, when I have been in this situation I have done everything by the book. If you felt your assignment was overwhelming you needed to document it immediately.

The board hearing is not going to overturn the nurse manager unless she has a history of being abusive and unfair ( documented in Human Resources). Every time you made a mistake she has been in contact with HR, have you been documenting your side with your union? Did you bring in your union rep when she spoke to you, that is your right.

Sounds like you are in a no win situation, you are not protected by the family leave act since you have not been employed long enough. Take care of your baby. I would not have disclosed this to your NM so early, next time you need to occupational health, and they will inform her if you have restrictions without disclosing the reason.

Sorry to ramble on, you seem like you want to do the right thing, and got screwed, time to move on. Personally I would have either left or transfered before this situation got so far. You need to move professionally.

If the Board overturns the NM, you need to be perfect and clear your nursing record and move on. Good Luck and best wishes,