Fired for Falsifying Documents. What to expect

[LPNewbie]

Today is extremely difficulty for me. I just started this new job that I absolutely love. I work in a very busy hallway and popped a noon med for one of my residents. I placed it in the med cart and was pulled away. I always initial as I pop and signed. However at the end of my shift, I did not give it. I now understand how early documentation isn't good at all, but I had no intentions to do what I did. I deeply apologized to my supervisor and was thankful for the opportunity but now I'm afraid of what will happen to my license.

Again, I am not making excuses. I made a major mistake but I would never ever intend to not give someone their medication on purpose or for convenience. I would like to know what I can expect or how soon I will hear something. I am so afraid.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

It was 2 tylenol and one gabapentin. When I said I had issues with meds, I was referring to a previous job. This job I have never made ONE mistake. Not one. I am so sad and frustrated. Our ED was fired and one of the nurses became ED. Her best friend made a bunch of med errors and I had to report it. Today I get fired for meds. I mean make no mistake. I messed up. I should've double checked. But I felt like this was extremely harsh.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

It does seem extremely harsh for a single med error. What's the organization's policy in terms of corrective discipline? It would be worth exploring this with HR not necessarily to get this job back but to make sure you're considered re-hirable.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

This is a very small company and I feel like the chances of getting my job back is very slim. The cart has been incorrect for a while and they felt like since they found my meds, I was the reason meds were not given EVEN THOUGH I but my intials on every med that I popped. I think that's what the worst thing. I feel essentially accused for everything.

[QuietIsntAWord]

I agree that it was harsh. Do you think this could be some kind of retaliation for reporting her best friend?

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

I personally feel like it was. And quite honestly, I don't understand how leaving my meds in the cart was "proof" that I had messed up the med cart. What about all my initials on the blisters proving that I DIDN'T. I deserve a write up. Maybe a suspension. But definitely not a suspension. She missed meds as well and nothing was done.

Regardless of all these things, I just care about my license. I really hope they don't make it about false documentation. I'm concerned because that is what the HWD said.

[QuietIsntAWord]

Go to HR!!!!

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

If this med was a countable med, I can see why you were fired. What was the medication that needed to be counted?

[QuietIsntAWord]

What do you mean by "messed up the cart"?

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

It was a routine med.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

I feel like I just said something to you or someone else about watching your back, as you reported someone, they will be looking to get you. It doesn't matter whether you did the right thing or not in reporting the person.

[QuietIsntAWord]

I read some of your previous posts. Do you think these med errors followed you to your new job and they fired you based on that?

[djh123]

I could be totally wrong, but I can't see how you'd lose your license over this. And let me add - but of course I'm not saying that any mistake(s) we make are ok - but another nurse at work could've already been fired dozens of times for errors, and yeah, I've talked to mgt. about them.