Fired for Falsifying Documents. What to expect

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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.

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.
If this is my concern, I'd gladly take it over losing my license. I feel like I'm too stupid to be a nurse sometimes. I was very proud of my work.

Making one mistake does NOT make you too stupid to be a nurse, believe me!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Wow. I am in total agreement that this was a harsh move! Jeez, I've made my share of med errors and have never been fired as a result.

In my med error cases, no harm ever came to the patient. It sounds the same for you, eh LPNewbie?

Gabapentin is classified as a controlled substance where I work, so that could be something.

What gets me is the fact that no act, either the med error or the documentation, was done maliciously or with forethought- the actions were a result of human error.

I wish the very best for you LPNewbie!

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Specializes in LTC.

I accept full responsibility for my med error. In the past, I was for lack of better words "careless" and didn't pay as much attention as I did. I used those experiences to work to the best of my ability at this job. I made a mistake. I did. But this is the first med error I've ever made at this new job.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes, I realize my mistake and vow to never "early document" again.

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Specializes in LTC.

Thank you. I really needed this.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I'm still confused by what you meant saying the med cart had been messed up for awhile now but now they are trying to blame you for it being messed up. Could you please clarify?

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Specializes in LTC.

Meds are supposed to be given according to the day. For example. When you get a blister pack, you get 30. We get fresh packs on the first of each month. So therefore, on day 1, we pop pill 30. On day 2, we pop pill 29. And so on. I noticed that in the evening spot, some meds were not being popped. Furthermore, on the days I WAS OFF, I saw that some pills were not popped. So when they saw my pills in the top drawer, they assumed this was me who messed the carts up.

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LPNewbie, All Nurses make mistakes. We aren't perfect. I don't think this is gonna be any sort of hanging offense with the BON & I rarely say nice things about that gaggle of vampires. Anyway, learn from your mistake, have a cry if it will help and move on. That sounds harsh but in my experience its life. Good Luck & Gods Speed.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Thank you. I really needed this.

Hey LPNewbie- do us a favor and use the quote button at the bottom of the post to which you're reponding so we know to who you are replying.

Sound advice:

Go to HR!!!!

Objectively document facts of the situation and the outcomes. Use quotations of conversations to the best of your memory. This process will not only assist you in getting your story straight, keep pertinent facts in your mind, but will act as a catharsis for you.

I have documented numerous situations in my nursing career and this process has been an extremely useful tool when dealing with situations such as this.

My process is to write or type out facts randomly: names, dates, situations, what was said, etc, whatever comes to mind. EVERYTHING. Then, I arrange everything in a chronological order so my documentation flows like a story from the start to the finish.

We are here as your virtual supporters, LPNewbie and wish to see that you get the realistic and fair treatment you deserve!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Oh okay, I see. We use blister packs where I work as well, but we just reorder when they start getting low. We don't actually count them (that would take forever!). Sometimes medications may not be "popped" due to the patient was out of the facility, or there were orders to hold a certain medication... or even the patient refused it. So, I don't think the blister packs being off is any type of "proof" that you were solely responsible for messing it up. Or any type of proof period unless it is a narcotic which should be signed out.

I really think you were fired unjustly and should go over their heads, not to necessarily get your job back but to make sure this doesn't hurt you from attaining a new position somewhere else.

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Do you know if you were reported to the BON for the previous med errors that you were fired for? That would by my main concern regarding your license. I'm not sure there is much you can do but wait to see if you hear anything.

It sounds like the place you were working wasn't a good environment. I wish the best for you.

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Specializes in school nurse.

I'm curious- was the friend of the ED who made med errors fired at the time as well...?

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