Can I get Fired?

Nurses General Nursing

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Can I get fired for starting an iv on myself at work? Co workers and I were talking about it. Just a needle and some alcohol not even flushed just got in and took it out. Scared about getting fired now.

4 minutes ago, FolksBtrippin said:

But I am not sure that all states afford employees the same legal protection.

They don't. Most states are "employment at will" which does mean that they can fire you for any reason at any time. Whether you qualify for unemployment varies according to the circumstances.

6 Votes
25 minutes ago, FolksBtrippin said:

Not in my state. Getting fired means you don't qualify for unemployment because the termination was your fault.

Therefore, you can't be fired because the boss wants his son to have the job, for example. The company has to prove that it was your fault, and that usually means documented write ups and corrective action before they terminate you.

But I am not sure that all states afford employees the same legal protection.

Well, they can still fire you. They just have to pay unemployment if they do.

ETA: Regardless of the appropriate term, they can get rid of you. In the end, it really doesn’t matter as you don’t have a job. Unemployment is usually quite a small sum, if you qualify for it.

2 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
9 minutes ago, beekee said:

Well, they can still fire you. They just have to pay unemployment if they do.

No, they actually can't fire you. To fire you, it has to be your fault. If it isn't your fault it isn't getting fired, it's a different term. If it wasn't for a valid reason like they eliminated the position for financial reasons, then you can bring a wrongful termination lawsuit on them. Also, in my state, the employer has to prove that they fired the employee for just reasons.

But this is an aside for this case, because it sounds like the OP probably did something wrong.

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
5 minutes ago, beekee said:

Well, they can still fire you. They just have to pay unemployment if they do.

In Texas if you are "terminated for cause" you are not eligible to draw unemployment...only if your position is eliminated through no fault of yours, like a reduction of force or something similar.

2 Votes

That was a dumb thing to do...and clearly someone else thought so and turned you in.

Waste of hospital supplies.

I know someone who got fired for using a hospital glucose meter on themselves. Good Luck.

2 Votes

If you're not using IV meds on yourself, I think it's all right.

If some patients are disturbed seeing an IV on you, they might say something to staff.

I am just impressed you could start one on yourself.

That being said, I work in a "right to work" state, which means they can fire you for absolutely nothing.

But it seems to be IMPOSSIBLE to get fired through my hospital. We have some people that should have been terminated eons ago, but yet.... they still stick around. No idea what the heck it takes to really lose your job, but I can promise you it wouldn't be starting an IV on myself.

I can't start an IV on anything other than a well hydrated adolescent kid.... so I am not at risk for this problem. ?

1 Votes
Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

I have practiced on myself before. ? But I think the biggest worry would be people worrying that you might place IVs in yourself so you can divert easily.

Overall, I would skip it or do it on the real DL if you need the practice.

3 Votes
7 hours ago, humerusRN said:

That being said, I work in a "right to work" state, which means they can fire you for absolutely nothing.

"Employment at will". Right to work has to do with unions.

4 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
18 hours ago, beekee said:

Well, they can still fire you. They just have to pay unemployment if they do.

ETA: Regardless of the appropriate term, they can get rid of you. In the end, it really doesn’t matter as you don’t have a job. Unemployment is usually quite a small sum, if you qualify for it.

I'm disputing the very common statement "they can get rid of you for any reason" because it's a common theme I see here. I think this belief contributes to a bad working environment in that people don't know their rights.

They can lay you off, they can fire you with cause. Those are their two options. If they fire you and there is no cause, and it isn't a layoff you can sue for wrongful termination. It doesn't have to be discrimination based on sex, age, race, etc. They also can't fire you for voting for Trump, for being an Eagles fan, because daughter just graduated nursing school and wants your job, etc.

2 Votes
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I gotta go back to the "why did you do it? question.

18 Votes
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Beyond the "why did you do it" question, there is the waste of hospital resources. An IV started without an MD order and documentation is IV supplies the hospital has to eat. Controlling costs is a huge part of the bottom line these days. It may seem miniscule to you, but if everyone in nursing school or curious about poking holes in themselves did it, it would be huge. Don't make the mistake of thinking it doesn't matter if its not illegal. It will matter to someone and you probably shouldn't be doing it.

There is a very good chance that yes, you will get in trouble for it and possibly terminated. Its a biohazard and it is misappropriation of supplies that has nothing to do with patient care. The hospital's concerns will be monetary. Will they be liable if you develop cellulitis or sepsis from this tomfoolery being performed at work (The dirtiest environment around) but having nothing to do with any kind of productivity? Yes? As in worker's comp, coverage of medical care, lost work hours and potential FMLA? Boom. There's your answer. Knock it off. Its inappropriate.

8 Votes
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