I had called out too many days, then showed up to work on my day off to meet with my manager and accused of acting "impaired" now have been reported to Bon, went for an initial "assessment" and now told I was deemed "unsafe to practice" (I was fired that day, over 30 days ago) now have mother job but facing unemployment, out of money, facing eviction, homelessness, etc.
I have complied with their request to complete a uds in order to determine if I can work this week.
I'm terrified, if I don't return to work, I'll lose this job, too. I've been playing for all sorts of other jobs, but I've been in nursing for 15 years, how do I explain my suddenly getting out of the field??
Realistically are they going to let me go to work if they find this uds is clear (it will be).
I just don't know where to turn, I have so many questions and don't know where to ask. The state is NC, nobody have advice with the Bon?
Second that you should contact the board yourself, today, for the reasons mentioned above.
You also need to clarify with KNAP what your stipulations are going to be if/when you sign the contract because the standard contract outright says no agency work, no passing of narcotics/benzos for 6 months. You also have to inform your work and have them write quarterly evals.
There is currently brand new staff running KNAP and the person who used to do the nursing section quit (or was fired) so it's one guy and the office staff handling all the medical professionals in KS at the moment. So things may not happen super fast and you also might not be given the best picture of what you're going to be facing in the next couple of years.
I haven't been to work since I was told all this on Wed.
I think they are going to require the monitoring regardless, I'm just hoping I can work here in the mean time. Otherwise, I'm homeless with no money and stuck half way across the country!
I agree with most of the above posters. Have a hard look at your worthy self and start to make things as right as you can starting today. Contact the board yourself as you are already in the system. If you no longer can work at that employer and are under stips, make searching for a job a full-time job. I lost everything and was homeless and went to the library to apply for jobs every day, tidied up and did my hair and put on lipstick in MickyD's bathrooms......and took the bus to SNFs to try to meet DON in person....one finally gave me my first job in probation!!!! I have 5 months to a free&clear license in my state! There were many tears along the way as I was wrong and made a mistake and indeed should have had consequences, but I feel my punishment did not fit my crime. Get thru this, get real, move on, recover and heal....
Honey it will be ok. I agree that the Ambien route sucks. Most of us know what it can do to our patients. Makes people of all ages cray-cray. I don't even give it anymore PRN at HS. I offer a cup of camomile tea and a backrub instead!!!!!
You can get thru this...keep us posted...... ((((((hugs))))))
I just want to say that in my experience Ambian is the worst possible drug anyone can take for sleep. If you are thinking of taking it don't. If you are taking it stop.
Hppy
I take ambien... why do you say this? I know I have gained a ton of weight from night walking/eating.. and it only works if i take it on an empty stomach.. but what was your experience?
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
I take ambien... why do you say this? I know I have gained a ton of weight from night walking/eating.. and it only works if i take it on an empty stomach.. but what was your experience?
Accidently taking another dose, or two as patient forgot the others taken, which results in eval at hosp for cva....happen to a physician friend's mom....... Years ago I actually took a second dose, as did not remember taking first......it has some black box warnings...
I've taken 2 10 mg pills already asking with 2-4mg clonazepam. . Didn't have a pRoblem. Friend looked up what a fatal dose would be and it was something ridiculous Like 3000mg.
I just want to say that in my experience Ambian is the worst possible drug anyone can take for sleep. If you are thinking of taking it don't. If you are taking it stop.
Hppy
This is medical advice and not allowed here by the TOS. Sorry not trying to be difficult but telling someone to not take their prescribed med is going a little far, respectfully.
AmbiEn is fine if you take it correctly. I took it for two years post cancer to help me get through my anxiety about my cancer returning. Not going to lie, it was tough to get off but I did it safely by tapering.
Also, you shouldn't be withholding a patient's meds due to your judgement regarding the med. If the pt. is prescribed the med and requests the med, you should be giving it as long as it is safe.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
MODERATOR NOTE:
A little reminder that as per the Terms of Service members may NOT offer legal or medical advice
[h=3]Medical Advice:[/h] ALLNURSES.COM, INC. or it's members do not offer medical advice. Any requests for such will be removed. If you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your healthcare provider. You are not allowed to ask for medical advice related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone you know.
[h=3]Legal Advice:[/h] ALLNURSES.COM, INC. or it's members do not offer legal advice. Any requests for such will be removed. If you have a legal problem, please seek legal counsel.
OP.....I am so sorry.....however, before you agree to anything from the board please speak to a lawyer. DO NOT! go before the BON without representation....the BON is NOT your friend. If you have malpractice insurance call them immediately for advice and legal assistance.
To those nurses without malpractice insurance.....this is a perfect example on why you need it.
I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time. I'm still confused, though!
If I was accused of being impaired and a safety risk and I knew it to be completely unfounded, I'd have my attorney all over them in a heartbeat. I feel like I'm missing something.
I see you have been battling depression. While it may be hard for those not battling depression to understand, I completely get the call-outs and not responding when being on call. Depression sucks the life out of you. Taking a shower even becomes a chore. I suffer as well.
It the presumed impairment but due to Ambien and/or lack of sleep, have you any recollection as to what you said or did that made you come across as "impaired?"
I know I'm asking the same questions others have, but again, it seems to me that a huge piece of the story is missing.
As far as Ambien - here's my 2 cents. I don't have personal experience with it, but I have heard some stories. As with any med, I'm sure it does what is intended for some and messes with others.
My Grandma stopped taking it after she woke up without her underwear on and couldn't find it in the usual places. She never did figure out what happened to them. :)
dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN
1,571 Posts
Second that you should contact the board yourself, today, for the reasons mentioned above.
You also need to clarify with KNAP what your stipulations are going to be if/when you sign the contract because the standard contract outright says no agency work, no passing of narcotics/benzos for 6 months. You also have to inform your work and have them write quarterly evals.
There is currently brand new staff running KNAP and the person who used to do the nursing section quit (or was fired) so it's one guy and the office staff handling all the medical professionals in KS at the moment. So things may not happen super fast and you also might not be given the best picture of what you're going to be facing in the next couple of years.