Another nurse got fired because of me.

DeepFriedRN · Aug 11, 2009

This is why we place it near the center of her back, and low enough that she can't reach it. That is where we found the patch that was dated with a date some 10 days prior. The patch was to be change q 7 days. The fired nurse had signed that she had changed that patch 3 days before, which she obviously had not.

I see. Well, from your co-workers comments, it sounds like she wasn't the safest nurse..I think it might not be a bad idea to speak with the nurse should you come upon any mistakes in the future, but as far as this time--what's done is done. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. It appears as though she probably would have gotten canned for something eventually, if everyone else you work with was relieved to see her go.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2009

Hey there writer/rn - thanks for the reply.

I clearly over reacted - sorry. I am all for adult conversation and moving on!

Good posts.

justiceforjoy · Aug 11, 2009

You got hired for a job. You fulfilled your job duties.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2009

.

Yikes there OP - you sure have gotten into a big ole pile of stink.

RUSSIAN FABLE

There was a man waling along a field in winter when he heard a small desperate cry. He look around and found the cry and it was a small nearly frozen bird - he was desperate and calling for help. The man knew that this bird would soon die unless he did something. So he picked up the bird, put it in his jacket and walked on. Soon the baby bird snuggled, grew warm and seemed to be getting better. The man stopped to rest - the baby bird was feeing better and even delightfully sang and enjoyed sharing the man's sandwich. Soon, the man walked on - with the bird snuggled against him in his jacket.

Well, the man made it home. Now what? the man thought. A house is no place for a bird. It was still so cold - what to do? what to do? The man looked out and found a steaming pile of cow poo - problem solved. He put the still recovering bird down in the poo - he squirmed around and settled in - glad to still be warm. The man went in and all was well. Soon the bird had completely recovered and started singing a joyful tune.

The cat heard the delightful song and ate the bird for dinner.

Moral of the story - when you are up to your neck in poo, don't keep chirping on - you may get so far into a situation that there is no way out.

I trust that you have learned a lesson from the situation you have found yourself in. When in doubt - be careful. Always ask if the situation was flipped and you were the "bad guy" - would you want to be treated in manner that you are deliberating action on. GOLDEN RULE is still a good one. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Onward.

KarynicaRN · Aug 11, 2009

You did the right thing, no need to feel guilty. I wish the LTC facility that I had worked at had cared more. This one nurse's sole duty on day shift was to do wound care. And she would sign it as done, but never actually did it. The wound treatments that I would do on evenings would be signed and dated with my signature, a week later I would come in with the same dressings still on. I was angry, frustrated and brought it to the DON's attention.
She did nothing to this nurse. As far as I know, this horrible nurse is still out there working somewhere. Her phone calls more important than doing wound care.
Honestly, I couldn't wait to quit this job.

I agree with you about the dressing change. I have the same problem at the facility I work at too. I find dressing changes 2-4 days old with my initials. DON just passes it off as nothing. State was in the building and the facility got a violation for it, but the DON still just laughs it off as nothing. Really, truly sad.

KarynicaRN · Aug 11, 2009

By the date on the Catapres patch. It hadn't been changed on the day this nurse signed for it, and the resident's BP went up.

Wasn't your fault that the nurse was fired. We have to make sure our patients/residents have someone watching out for them.

beachbutterfly · Aug 11, 2009

In my eyes not signing the med is a serious mistake..it doesnt matter if it was giving or not!!!!!Such mistakes can lead to double-dosing quick,just think about pain meds PRN especially!!!

arelle68 · Aug 11, 2009

One thing I've learned from this situation is that I can't always count on allnurses to make me feel better about what is happening. I'm thinking I'll just pray next time. Praying is a lot more reliable to ease my mind. Also, I'll get rock solid advice that won't change 10 times over the course of the converstion. I thought I needed everyone's opinion, but I don't. I only want the Lord's. From now on, I'm just going to talk to Him about everything and do what He says.

beachbutterfly · Aug 11, 2009

One thing I've learned from this situation is that I can't always count on allnurses to make me feel better about what is happening. I'm thinking I'll just pray next time. Praying is alot more reliable to ease my mind. Also, I'll get rock solid advice that won't change 10 times over the course of the converstion. I thought I needed everyone's opinion, but I don't. I only want the Lord's. From now on, I'm just going to talk to Him about everything and do what He says. I never was in trouble with anyone at work about this, but YOU people! And...I don't even KNOW you!

I dont understand why it is do hard for you to handle/accept different mind set,you can learn a lot from different perspective instead of getting offended! :confused:

arelle68 · Aug 11, 2009

I dont understand why it is do hard for you to handle/accept different mind set,you can learn a lot from different perspective instead of getting offended!

I'm not offended. I just realize that I ran to the wrong place for comfort, peace and perspective. What I need, allnurses can't do for me. I do apologize for the tone of my last post. I don't blame any of you for what you had to say.

rn/writer, RN · Aug 11, 2009

One thing I've learned from this situation is that I can't always count on allnurses to make me feel better about what is happening. I'm thinking I'll just pray next time. Praying is a lot more reliable to ease my mind. Also, I'll get rock solid advice that won't change 10 times over the course of the converstion. I thought I needed everyone's opinion, but I don't. I only want the Lord's. From now on, I'm just going to talk to Him about everything and do what He says.

Praying is a wonderful thing to do. God's voice is a comfort in the howling of the wind.

But coming here can let you can help you, too. You can learn something even from the people who disagree with you. AN is a microcosm of the nursing world. You'll get all kinds of reactions, opinions, and advice. This broad spectrum can be valuable in helping you to decide what you think. And many times, fellow nurses can come up with ideas and suggestions and simple observations that give you a greater perspective than you would get on your own.

Others can learn from your wisdom and experience. This thread was thought-provoking for many, even if it got a little intense at times.

And don't forget, God can speak to us through each other. And give support as well. There were a number of posters who tried to encourage you. I hope that gave you a bit of a lift.

arelle68 · Aug 11, 2009

Others can learn from your wisdom and experience. This thread was thought-provoking for many, even if it got a little intense at times.

And don't forget, God can speak to us through each other. And give support as well. There were a number of posters who tried to encourage you. I hope that gave you a bit of a lift.

Thank you, Miranda.

I appreciate all of that encouragement. I really do. Thanks to everyone who had something to say about this. I know that you all intended to help the situation in some way. I even appreciate those of you don't agree with me, and were angry with me, and "beating me up", as someone said. It all made me realize something very valuable. Thank you all.