Caught cussing while on homecare duty with infant, will I lose my license?

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Hi Nurse Beth,

I'm an experienced RN of 38 years and have been working as a pediatric homecare nurse. The 2nd day of my new case I swore to myself while holding a 10 month old and his mother threw me out. She used very foul language and threw my belongings outside and would not allow me to leave because she was calling the police. I knew she had no right to detain me, so I finally left her home.

In addition to the filthy names and screaming she told me she was going to report me to the nursing board. The child was never physically hurt. This incident was reported to my agency. She had a video camera which I wasn't aware of. I am very concerned about losing my license and my job.

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5 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Concerned,

What awful behavior. She sounds like a loose cannon and a liability to your agency. Let's hope your employer recognizes this as overreactive and bizarre. 

As far as being reported to the BON, you are not going to lose the nursing license you've held for 38 years over using a cuss word. If that were the case, most of us would have lost our licenses a long time ago. She may not even follow through and report you. Threatening to report you and doing so are two different things.

Always act as if there are cameras in every setting, even in homes where you feel very comfortable. Things can be taken out of context, and just being super professional protects you.

Sorry you are going through this. Having that level of vitriol directed at you is very upsetting.

Take care,

Nurse Beth

OMG. I would have let you go to but that's about it. Only because it would be my baby,  and I wouldn't want someone with that line of thinking even just a slip up around my baby. But I get it, the baby was probably Chucky (LOL). 

Personally, I would resign before I get fired because the company is probably going to try to save face with that family by making an example out of you.

And yes ALWAYS assume Big Brother is watching once you're clocked in.

Specializes in Pediatric home care.

Hi Nurse Beth

Thank you for your reply.

I'm sure I said " (child name) you're a fu#$*g nightmare today.”

Does that change anything?

This has never happened before.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

You are welcome! It doesn't change anything ? Best wishes, my friend

Specializes in Pediatric home care.

Hi Beth

I'm considering resigning.

 I don't feel there will be a good outcome and I don't want being fired to be in my history at this company.

Any thoughts?

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