Updated: Published
Hi guys, I'm looking for words of encouragement or success stories.
I'm an ER nurse with 6 years of experience. The past 3 years I've been having the time of my life doing travel nursing. unfortunately my last contract was cancelled 4 days before my start date because of low census ("we hired too many nurses - sorry"). 2 days after this cancellation I'm notified by the board that I have a accusation against my license.
Early last year (2019) I had a emergency verbal order to restrain a confused patient that came into our department in respiratory distress. The patient was pulling out lines and grabbing at the nursing and RT staff. After the ABG came back the physician ordered BiPAP and the patient was placed on BiPAP while restrained. Long story short the intensivist came down stairs and found this patient restrained while on BiPAP and was not happy.
The ER MD denied any knowledge of the restraints and the intensivist reported me to my agency who then in turn "had to" report me to the board.
Now, a year later, and after 6k in lawyer fees, I'm facing the possibility of probationary measures placed on my license.
As I write this I am unemployed in central California. My agency states they cant work with me until the case is closed. In spite of shining letters of recommendation by every job I've ever worked facilities won't interview me with the pending investigation. My last contract wants to hire me but everything is on a hiring freeze because of CoVID - 19.
Has anyone been through this and can you offer words of encouragement or advice?
I'm stuck here in my lease away from home and ruminating about all the possible negative outcomes. Nights are long and days are slow.
Any advice, please - no negativity.