Board of Nursing Investigator Wants to Meet with Me - I am Stressed Out!

Lorie Brown RN, MN, JD · Oct 25, 2019

My former employer reported me to the board of nursing with the complaint that I removed medications from their emergency box ( plastic tires secured with zip ties). No it wasn't narcotics and no I didn't do it, but they are saying I'm the only one that had keys to the med room that shift. I have no idea what happened, their pharmacy delivery person picked up the plastic totes and drive around with them, sometimes with a spouse to ride along. The medicines were multiple muscle relaxers, injectable to radio and lidocaine.

When they questioned me about it I told them I had no idea but I didn't take them. They let me submit a resignation in lieu of termination.

Now an investigator from the board of nursing is calling me. I have called an attorney and am waiting to discuss this with him. The investigator is wanting to meet with me.

Can you tell me what generally happens at this type of meeting? I know this is serious, but if they decide I'm guilty, what type of penalty or action against my license may happen (TN). I have no idea what to expect and I'm totally stressed out over this.

Dear Stressed-Out,

I am so sorry this is happening to you. You did the right thing by contacting an attorney. Do not talk to the investigator without representation. Sometimes these investigators are investigating a criminal matter and your freedom is too important.

I wish I could tell you what will happen but each case is different and you are asking me to diagnose without assessing. I do not know the facility's side of the story but your attorney should be able to get this.

I wish you the best.

Lorie