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]

Prayer is a good way to deal with stress, and by "lowly listening", a concept by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "we will hear the right word".

Worry is a useless expenditure of energy, although the vast majority of us do just that. "Rumination" or "racing thoughts" are other ways to look at as worrying.

I would advise you to put that energy to use by journaling. There's nothing else like it for me- journaling gets my thoughts together and out of my head for clearer consideration.

Just something I want to share on this topic of worrying: Nearly 40 years ago I laid in bed worrying about one thing or the other, so I turned on the light to do some reading. A Bible was nearby, so I just flipped it open to the Book of Matthew, I think. There I read "Will all your worries add one minute to your life?" "Wow", I said, put the Bible back, turned off the light and fell to sleep mediating on those words.

Do what you need to do to get okay with this situation, LPNewbie. This too shall pass.

I cannot thank you enough. I think 8 hours is enough as far as tears are concerned. There is nothing else I can do except pray. I would be honored if you were to pray for me. Thank you for everything.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

I own up to my mistake. I don't know what else to say.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

LP...even if you sought the highest paid therapist/consultant you could not get better, more genuine, reality based, support as here...Davey and the rest of those "pulling" for you!!

You can. You will!

I am floored by the support I have received by strangers. I will strive to do better.

[beckysue920]

Soothing prayers are being cyber-sent.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

Soothing prayers are being cyber-sent.

Thank you so much, Becky Sue. I honestly can feel an influx of love and I am very thankful. God has always been so good to me and I put full faith in Him that it will all be alright.

[Davey Do]

Thanks for taking so much time out of your day to reach out to me with comfort and support. I am incredibly thankful.

Sorry. I was jonsing for a meme.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

Sorry. I was jonsing for a meme.

Thank you :) You are an amazing person.

[QuietIsntAWord]

Awww Love that Davey... My grandmother always used to say... "Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere fast" :)

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

Awww Love that Davey... My grandmother always used to say. Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere fast :)

You guys are the best. Honestly. I've been in the hospital for my anxiety and depression and this honestly helps. It's been so rough.

[QuietIsntAWord]

You guys are the best. Honestly. I've been in the hospital for my anxiety and depression and this honestly helps. It's been so rough.

I too used to suffer from anxiety. It was really bad when I was in nursing school and it still pops up from time to time when I'm introduced to something new.

In general I've learned that anxiety is energy turned inward, you need to find a way to get it out! Talk about it, even though it may seem impossible at the time. Simply saying "i'm feeling very anxious right now" can help tremendously, because suddenly you aren't alone anymore. Exercising, even if it's a short walk around the unit to get that energy out can help as well. There are many outlets, you just need to find out what works for you.

For work related anxiety, just remember it's ALWAYS okay to ask for help! If a new procedure produces anxiety for you then ask someone to show you how to do it. Tell them if you've never done it before or if it's been awhile. I remember when I started my first job in LTC and had never done a TB test, I was so nervous. I pulled my charge nurse aside and told her I had never done one except on a hot dog in nursing school. She was so sweet and did it for me, while walking me through the steps. Now I give them almost daily like it's breathing air.

Keep in mind that a certain level of anxiety is a good thing. More like awareness/cautiousness.

One thing I have not mastered is leaving work at work, I almost always bring it home with me. Luckily, my mom is a nurse too so I can always vent to her and we brainstorm. This site can be of great help for you also, just be careful about details you post. Current and/or potential employers are on here too. Even though we hide behind a screen name, sometimes things add up and you can be identified.

[LPNewbie, LPN, LVN]

In general I've learned that anxiety is energy turned inward, you need to find a way to get it out! Talk about it, even though it may seem impossible at the time. Simply saying "i'm feeling very anxious right now" can help tremendously

I love this. That's exactly how I feel. I know that I have to work on my anxiety. It's a breath of fresh air to see that a nurse can have these things and still do fine in the field. I can only hope for the best at this point.

[LadysSolo]

Technically, every med error is falsification of documentation, if you want to take it literally. You said you gave someone this med, but you made a mistake and gave them something else. So you falsified the documentation. So in that case, every one of us in this profession had falsified documentation, because I don't know ANY nurse who has NEVER made a med error, unless it is extremely early in their career. If called before the board, you made a med error, you intended to give the med you signed out but got called away and forgot to go back and give it. A MED ERROR, not intentional falsification of documentation. I believe at the worst (and probably) you will have to attend a class on passing meds safely or something like that. I don't promise, but it happened to someone I know who made multiple med errors, and that was their punishment from the BON. Your experience may be different, but since it was not a scheduled med, it may be all that happens to you. Or Maybe nothing.......