Anxious and in need of answers.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.

okay..this is a long story shortened, but i'll relay all the pertinent information.

i've been a nurse for 8 years. i was recently fired, and now i'm worried i might lose my license over the same stupid lapse of judgment.:(

a few weeks ago, one of my cnas was constipated and complaining. we were already short and she was going to go home, also. i gave her a brown cow (prune juice and milk of magnesia) and some mineral oil. that's the first thing we give to patients and i didn't stop to think i was "prescribing meds" for her and practicing above my scope of practice. one of the nurses working with me reported this to my supervisor and called state herself. i got fired and now i might lose everything i've worked for over a brown cow.

i'm just worried and anxious, now. has anyone else had anything like this happen? please don't judge or talk down at this time, i don't really need it, right now.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Surely these are all OTC medications? Here we can give what we call 'homely remedies'(we have a specific list) without asking doctor about it.This includes members of staff if they need i.e something for a headache,indigestion etc.

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I don't mean to be a wise-bottom here (I'm just beginning the journey), but if she had a headache and you gave her an Advil or something like that - would you be in the same situation?

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.

yes, they're all otcs. otc protocols are outlined for the patients, but i don't know about for staff. :confused:

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.
i don't mean to be a wise-bottom here (i'm just beginning the journey), but if she had a headache and you gave her an advil or something like that - would you be in the same situation?

i'm not quite sure, but the way my supervisor talked when she fired me, probably.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Surely these are all OTC medications? Here we can give what we call 'homely remedies'(we have a specific list) without asking doctor about it.This includes members of staff if they need i.e something for a headache,indigestion etc.

It's not like that here in the USA. What this person did could be considered theft and prescriping medication without a license.

I've never heard of anyone loosing their license for giving a co-worker a laxative. Shame on the person who tattled. Good luck to you.

To the op, unfortunately this is an issue between yourself and the BON and not something Allnurses can advise you on.

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