I'll try to explain this as best I can. I am a new nurse. I've been a working RN since February at a rehab facility. Technically, that was not my fist job. Right out of nursing school, I was hired by a major hospital in Ohio. I went through orientation, drug testing, physicals without any trouble. Next was the PBDS assessment. Performance based development system - where we were asked to provide a medical diagnosis to a set of conditions: video scenarios with some backing vitals, conditions, etc. I was to understand that the test was to tailor my training. When I did not pass it, I was terminated and was told to go out, get some experience and re-apply. Behind the scenes, the hospital in question reported us (all that did not pass the PBDS) to the board of nursing, saying that we did not practice in a safe manner and are subject to disciplinary action. Seriously? So I was offered a shot at doing some extra study in the manner of CEU's to improve my ability. My ability to practice outside my scope (in my viewpoint - we do not do medical diagnoses). As part of this offer, my license would not be view-able online as active for one year. All because I was hired by this particular hospital. I want to know what "possible disciplinary action" constitutes - I cannot get anyone to tell me what that is. I did not harm anyone, I did not steal medications, I did not commit any torts, negligent actions, or have any dependency issues. I go to work every day and help people recover. And I am good at it. My residents love me and what I do for them. I was an engineer for 20 years before deciding to make the career change and it's working. Things would be great if I had not applied at that particular hospital. Do I submit to the performance improvement program or should I let the board decide my fate without knowing the potential outcome? I just want it all to go away but that does not seem to be a possibility.
If I'm understanding this correctly, the OP is now involved in a disciplinary process with the State BoN for not satisfactorily answering hypothetical questions on a hospital's competency test, a test that required him to competently answer questions that involve knowledge outside of an RN's scope of practice? Did I get that right?? Seriously???
As if a new grad doesn't have enough on his/her plate, NOW they need to be asking every facility to which they apply if there will be a PBDS test involved in the hiring process. So that they can refuse to submit an application there.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I was hoping to find out what could possibly happen if I leave it to the board to decide without any intervention.
If you do not respond in a timely manner to the BON's inquiries, you could possibly have your nursing license revoked by default. Thus, DO NOT EVER leave any decision to the Board because its members will not act in your best interests.
If I'm understanding this correctly, the OP is now involved in a disciplinary process with the State BoN for not satisfactorily answering hypothetical questions on a hospital's competency test, a test that required him to competently answer questions that involve knowledge outside of an RN's scope of practice? Did I get that right?? Seriously???
As if a new grad doesn't have enough on his/her plate, NOW they need to be asking every facility to which they apply if there will be a PBDS test involved in the hiring process. So that they can refuse to submit an application there.
Unreal.
I can not like this enough!!
OP, I have an out of the box thought for you--Not at all legal advice, just some food for thought-
Most student nurses have malpractice insurance. It is required for most clinical sites. Just for the heck of it, contact them. See if the policy has expired. Ask for their assistance, as the "reason" that you were unprepared for the (crazy) test is due to your clinical education not meeting the expectations of actually obtaining a position.
May sound nuts, but sounds to me as if this "company" (are they at all related to the magnet people?!?!?!) is a strange standard in hospitals in your state (or area) and the schools need to be preparing you for this--especially if your lack of knowledge is going to adversely affect your license.
This is quite a scam, as now passing the NCLEX is really not the "end" of it all.
On the other side of it, make sure that before you sign an application for employment you read the fine print. There has got to be some sort of disclosure--that in a scammy sort of way would probably say "information obtained can blah blah" and you think "well, they MEAN if my drug test turns up positive, or my CORI has something on it...." when in actuality, it includes everything...so in other words they may (may) have covered their butt in being able to do this.
Never the less, do have a conversation with an attorney. If there is a state nursing organization, have conversation with them as well. If there is a state union, I would also have conversation with them. In other words, I would not "agree" with any sort of remedy on something so hypothetical.
And your college needs to be held to some sort of explanation. Do they not know that major hospitals in the area give this test, the results of which stop an RN license in its tracks?
This is huge, and the nuttiest thing I have heard. And just teaming with political foolishness! Let us know how it goes, and wishing you nothing but the best.
I just joined and I have a question. I had worked in the healthcare industry for nearly 14 years. I was good at it. But I had a couple of misdemeanors that I didn't report. In truth, as a two year nurse, I didn't think that I had to report it; as my state does a yearly criminal background check upon renewal. It never came up, so I ignored it- poor decision (but I needed to work). I had a license in good standing, barring the fact that I hadn't mentioned the misdemeanors to the board (failure to report). I moved to another state, as I had done before- and had not incurred any problems. I made my last move, and applied for licensure; through endorsement. I was 'flagged' and investigated for violation of the Nurse Practice Act. I was expected to attend a hearing, secure a psychological evaluation, and a public reprimand on the board site; as well as the internet. I was approved for my license, under certain stipulations. I chose to surrender my license; as I wanted to go into Environmental Science field (went back to college, earned a STEM Scholarship, and Bachelor of Science degree). I haven't worked in, or attempted to work in, healthcare since. It has been nearly 8 years; and my name is still on the internet- displays my name and violations (Unprofessional Conduct and Criminal Record). I am trying to move on w/ my life, and though my misdemeanors were 'deferred prosecution/dismissed after conviction', it still shows up on the internet and is keeping me from working. I get interviews, but the minute they look 'deeper', I am passed over. I am 49 years old, unemployed (for some time now), and don't have much left. For someone who has saved 3 lives in the course of my work, created much joy for patients- I have a great sense of humor, and worked my tail off (12 hours shifts- including noc- as you all know; this is more than a slap in the face. It's wrong. The board of nursing site is a public site; anyone can check your license status. Why do they insist on posting it on the internet? Can you have it taken off; does it ever come off? It is excessive; and not right. I no longer work in this occupation. I did nothing, during the commission of my duties, to harm or threaten a patient; and I want to move on. How long does this internet 'shaming' stay on the internet? From what I understand, the discipline stays public, and searchable, at the BON for 10 years. How long does it stay on the internet? How can I move forward? This isn't right- NOT at all! Criminal records are public; so are BON disciplinary actions. This is excessive punishment; especially since no patients suffered harm, my license was spotless. Not right! Not right AT ALL! Can anyone tell me how long this public shaming goes on, on the internet?! Thank you in advance, for any- and all- information you are willing to provide.
Unfortunately, internet is forever. There is no control, and no one has any way of knowing who "shares" what so it is a never ending abyss of information sharing.
I would be the first to see if an attorney can help as far as getting your record cleared, as it is 8 years old and dismissed charges. May or may not be possible. But more than likely it is your CORI form that is holding you back as opposed to someone seeing your nursing license has issues attached to it.
Environmental stuff is the new black, and it must be very competitive. Have you tried to get a job at a smaller, private non profit? May not be the big bucks, but something is better than nothing.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I just joined and I have a question. I had worked in the healthcare industry for nearly 14 years. I was good at it. But I had a couple of misdemeanors that I didn't report. In truth, as a two year nurse, I didn't think that I had to report it; as my state does a yearly criminal background check upon renewal. It never came up, so I ignored it- poor decision (but I needed to work). I had a license in good standing, barring the fact that I hadn't mentioned the misdemeanors to the board (failure to report). I moved to another state, as I had done before- and had not incurred any problems. I made my last move, and applied for licensure; through endorsement. I was 'flagged' and investigated for violation of the Nurse Practice Act. I was expected to attend a hearing, secure a psychological evaluation, and a public reprimand on the board site; as well as the internet. I was approved for my license, under certain stipulations. I chose to surrender my license; as I wanted to go into Environmental Science field (went back to college, earned a STEM Scholarship, and Bachelor of Science degree). I haven't worked in, or attempted to work in, healthcare since. It has been nearly 8 years; and my name is still on the internet- displays my name and violations (Unprofessional Conduct and Criminal Record). I am trying to move on w/ my life, and though my misdemeanors were 'deferred prosecution/dismissed after conviction', it still shows up on the internet and is keeping me from working. I get interviews, but the minute they look 'deeper', I am passed over. I am 49 years old, unemployed (for some time now), and don't have much left. For someone who has saved 3 lives in the course of my work, created much joy for patients- I have a great sense of humor, and worked my tail off (12 hours shifts- including noc- as you all know; this is more than a slap in the face. It's wrong. The board of nursing site is a public site; anyone can check your license status. Why do they insist on posting it on the internet? Can you have it taken off; does it ever come off? It is excessive; and not right. I no longer work in this occupation. I did nothing, during the commission of my duties, to harm or threaten a patient; and I want to move on. How long does this internet 'shaming' stay on the internet? From what I understand, the discipline stays public, and searchable, at the BON for 10 years. How long does it stay on the internet? How can I move forward? This isn't right- NOT at all! Criminal records are public; so are BON disciplinary actions. This is excessive punishment; especially since no patients suffered harm, my license was spotless. Not right! Not right AT ALL! Can anyone tell me how long this public shaming goes on, on the internet?! Thank you in advance, for any- and all- information you are willing to provide.
I would say you need to hire a lawyer who is experience with licensing and Board Issues - even just a consult to see if anything can be done. Otherwise I would be entirely open during job interviews. If the topic of a background check comes up sort of a "Sheesh I had some youthful indiscretions but that all behind me now." sort of thing.
I think that it would be the Board of nursing that would be in the wrong here. Why would the board of nursing be making a finding of incompetence when the OP clearly just passed the NCLEX and has basically no nursing hours accumulated? If the board of nursing accepted the findings of a test not sanctioned by the NCBSN to test entry to practice competencies and for safe nursing practice, it would undermine the whole point of the NCLEX. I don't think the NCBSN would take that very well.
P.S. This kind of testing is also very stupid from a managerial point of view as that test basically undermines the whole point of the interview and the probationary process. Failing one test because you don't have the background and sound nursing knowledge to make the correct calls every time? We do have colleagues we can ask when we are unsure of something.
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
If I'm understanding this correctly, the OP is now involved in a disciplinary process with the State BoN for not satisfactorily answering hypothetical questions on a hospital's competency test, a test that required him to competently answer questions that involve knowledge outside of an RN's scope of practice? Did I get that right?? Seriously???
As if a new grad doesn't have enough on his/her plate, NOW they need to be asking every facility to which they apply if there will be a PBDS test involved in the hiring process. So that they can refuse to submit an application there.
Unreal.