Probation, lost current job, now what?

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Recently placed on probation. Long story short, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing is not an entity that employs reason in their decision making process. I have evidence that the charting they used in deciding my fate is completely falsified. In fact I was the only one who even tried to do the right thing. In the end the board refused to listen and stated, "we are not concerned about the validity of the documentation, but concerned only about the documentation" I still am unable to understand this statement. Anyways, because I attempted to have them look at the documentation that was falsified, they stated I did not understand and placed me on probation for 12 months. Problem? My previous employer then fired me stating they couldn't take the risk, am have been unable to find a nursing job since. So I'm working at a minimum wage job with a bachelors degree in Nursing, 5+ years military veteran, was medically discharged which has no impact on my nursing ability but military is out of the question. Anyone have any ideas on where will hire me?! No one will do the probation! I go in front of the full board soon to have a hearing to get this all taken care of, but in doing so could cause a bigger issue, because I am saying they were wrong. The board member YELLED at me, told me to shut my mouth, they treated me like a criminal, talked to me like an infant, an any attempt to defend myself equaled further scolding an in the end they coerced me into signing an agreement. Everyone I have talked to about their experience with the board is equally as horrific. And honesty Is only punished, and any attempt at your defense equals a much more harsh punishment on your part. Please help!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Do you have representation? That would be my advice.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

My advice is to have a lawyer with you each and every time you have to deal with the BON, and especially if you have to meet face-to-face with the BON.

Yes, a lawyer costs money. But as you've seen, a disciplined, suspended or revoked license can cost you a lot more.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in public health.

what about VA or any vet-friendly places?

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Specializes in Nasty sammiches and Dilaudid.
what about VA or any vet-friendly places?

Doubt it--for any of the V.A. applications I've submitted, there is a question in the "Basic Qualifications" section asking something like (sorry--I can't remember the exact verbiage) "Do you have a full, active, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state?" If the OP has restrictions on her license or is on probation, IMO she'd have to answer that one in the negative and that would pretty much DQ her from working for the V.A. or most other Federal Gov't agencies that use similarly-worded applications.

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I do have representation and the VA caused this...

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Is it just me or am I seeing more threads about the Ok BON? :( that does not make me feel so good about my case...

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The board member YELLED at me told me to shut my mouth, they treated me like a criminal, talked to me like an infant, an any attempt to defend myself equaled further scolding an in the end they coerced me into signing an agreement. Everyone I have talked to about their experience with the board is equally as horrific. And honesty Is only punished, and any attempt at your defense equals a much more harsh punishment on your part. Please help![/quote']

Did you have legal representation when they yelled at you? Your attorney should've put a stop to that immediately.

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Is it just me or am I seeing more threads about the Ok BON? :( that does not make me feel so good about my case...

Um..ya be careful! Whatever you do, don't believe them that they are tryin to help you or be nice to you or do you any favors. The faster they get your case off the table is one step closer to going to lunch or home! They don't care about you, they don't care about the truth. Anyone can report you to the nursing board and regardless of validity, you will be punished. One of my previous coworkers opened up to me stating she misread a question or wording of a question on renewal because she had been a nurse for 10+ years and renewing was always the same questions and wording. When one year they changed the wording, but she didnt catch it until she had submitted it. She had a DUI from before she was even a nurse that was not in the time frame they previously asked, they changed the wording and now it applied to ever and she called and told them her mistake. They then called her in, fined her, assigned her classes, and because she stated if in hadn't told you and was honest, you would have never known she got a reprimand against her license as they said she didn't understand the severity of the situation. In the classes I've taken I've heard several cases where people had unfounded falsified complaints from a mad patient! They don't even research or investigate they just do whatever they want! And if you defend yourself at all you get a worse punishment. I say get EXCELLENT representation and hope for the best! But know if you defend yourself your punishment will be worse. And regardless of anything you will be punished.

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Unfortunately my original choice in counsel was horrific an he even made it worse....he was useless. Using him was one of my top horrible decisions ever!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Be careful about posting on social media. You're a tad bit inflammatory and I'm sure someone from the Oklahoma BON could be reading this and getting PO'd as they read. You're not making any friends with the Board or your first lawyer!!! Choose your words carefully.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

OP,

Get yourself a lawyer who specializes in the problems associated with nursing and medicine. That was very awkwardly worded but I'm pooped and that as the best I could do. Sometimes if a lawyer feels you were treated very unfairly, he'll take your case pro bono or free.

You might call your state or county bar association and ask for recommendations. Another possibility is a nurse/attorney. My parents were lawyers, and from time to time, some set of circumstances would outrage one or both of them enough that the one with the client wouldn't charge a fee. It sounds as though you got a bad deal. Hugs.

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