Can I be forgiven

[old bear]

I would like some honest nursing opinions-

At the beginning of this year my license was suspended for giving 6 nursing home residents a flu shot instead of a t b test, there was an LPN that was with me who I had double check the medication. 24 hrs later the residents had raised red marks where I had given them the shot, I realized my mistake, notified the doctors and families. NO ONE was injured, sick or died from this mistake. However, I was fired in 2 days and was told they were going to contact the professional board, long story short my license was suspended & told I had to take a class on medication errors then write them a letter explaining why I should have my license back (to this day I beat myself up for what I did) the class is expensive & costs more than I make in 2 weeks at my present job. My thing is should I make some short corners to pay for this class & beg mercifully to the state to have my license back? If so who would hire me?

[jkaee]

I agree with what the other nurses said.....you just have to do what they want you to do. Remember, no excuses!

As for getting a job, I know of a nurse that was fired from her one job because she hung chemo on someone that was NOT supposed to get chemo. (Now that's a big error!) She was able to get a job where I work now, because before she even formally interviewed she explained to the DON what had happened, and what steps she took to correct/learn from her actions. When/if you get your license back, BEFORE going on an interview, explain your situation to the HR interviewer. Don't just spring it on them during the interview, or let them find out for themselves when they start checking up on you. If you are honest with them, I think you may have a better chance at getting another job. We all make mistakes, it's what we do with them and how we learn from them that makes the difference.

Good luck!

[mattsmom81]

My facility still employs a nurse who hung the wrong blood (requiring medical treatment) and another nurse who gave the wrong patient somebody elses' cardiac meds. That patient developed symptomatic hypotension requiring fluid resuscitation, but she caught her mistake and we were able to intervene.

Different facilities look at errors different ways don't they. I am glad I work for a facility that looks at systems problems, learning, and prevention...not just punishment.

But I have worked for punitive facilities and managers whose only concern was avoiding potential liability by loudly blaming the nurse. Sad. To err is human.

[Brownms46]

Sorry this happened, glad to hear no pt. suffered because of the error, and also confused as to how this happened. But as to whether you should or could be hired again. "I" would hire you in a second, as you admitted your mistake, and didn't hide it! Shows you have intregity, and a conscience! You were more concerned about your pts. then the possible repercussions of your actions! I applause you, and hope you will continue to be a nurse:)!

I know the strength it takes to admit you have made a mistake, and how beating oneself up feels! Try and let it go, and get your license back, because you are needed:)!

[bluesky, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by Brownms46

"I" would hire you in a second, as you admitted your mistake, and didn't hide it! Shows you have intregity, and a conscience! You were more concerned about your pts. then the possible repercussions of your actions! I applause you, and hope you will continue to be a nurse:)!

Bravo! Couldn't agree more. :)

[Scififan]

We all make mistakes, and we all know that awful dreaded sinking feeling, the moment it feels like your heart has stopped and your stomach is in your mouth all occurring at the same moment when you realise the error you've made.

Some of the best most experienced nurses I know all have tales, and some still feel bad, but ALL of them learnt from it, and so did I. I hope you get your licence back because this experience will ultimately make you a better nurse.