Fired for writing a nursing order?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Does this sound right? I was terminated for writing a nursing order in the EMAR to offer pain medication prior to therapies?

I was told that I worked beyond the scope of practice as an LPN and would be reported to the board of nursing. I've been an LPN for 18 years, I am still in shock.

FYI: There were prn pain medications available q4h prn- The goal was merely to insure that the staff were monitoring and managing pain.

http://ask.metafilter.com/6351/Fired-Now-What

interesting link about how to deal with having been fired.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is a good point. I sent a message and told them I felt that I was wrongfully terminated and told them I was seeking counsel. If a prospective employer asks, are they eligible for rehire, they will say no- a red flag for any employer. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That was an excellent thread. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you have professional be sure to contact them right away for advice, especially since your former employer has indicated an intention to report you to the board of nursing (which could impede you obtaining licensure (and employment) in another state until the issue is resolved). Nearly all professional liability policies provide for nursing license defense (an attorney who is experienced in administrative law and working with the board of nursing).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you have professional liability insurance be sure to contact them right away for advice, especially since your former employer has indicated an intention to report you to the board of nursing (which could impede you obtaining licensure (and employment) in another state until the issue is resolved). Nearly all professional liability policies provide for nursing license defense (an attorney who is experienced in administrative law and working with the board of nursing).
I already have my California license. I am going to go about my business, apply for jobs. Call the board on Monday, apply for and start selling everything to move. And.... Pray!
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.

RNs who don't work in long term care may not know that most of these facilities are staffed with about 75% of LPNs and a lot of them are unit managers and supervisors with a lot of leadership responsibilities but there must be a RN in the bldg at all times. Now, as a nurse LPN or RN, I would have notified the physician for the order to be on the safe side, most of the time, you can leave a note in the comm book that should be reveiwed when the physician comes in. I totally disagree with this situation being reported to the Board of Nursing, this is not a matter of putting a patients' life at risk or neglect! Please! Why tarnish a nurse's record for this. The only thing that should happen is a verbal warning so that it will not happen again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.

Hang in there, you had good intentions and I am sure that you have learned a lesson from this situation. Always at all times get an order, I dont care if it is for a backrub.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nursing education.
Does this sound right? I was terminated for writing a nursing order in the EMAR to offer pain medication prior to therapies?

I was told that I worked beyond the scope of practice as an LPN and would be reported to the board of nursing. I've been an LPN for 18 years, I am still in shock.

FYI: There were prn pain medications available q4h prn- The goal was merely to insure that the staff were monitoring and managing pain.

Did you find a specific aspect of your state's LPN scope of practice that you "violated?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I haven't figured it out yet. I have tried to look at it, but I don't really get it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

First off I am sorry and believe that it is overkill from the information you have given. My best advice is to fight any discipline from the BON. Most nurses have no idea how an "investigation" works. For the most part the BON contacts you AFTER they have investigated and found you guilty meaning that there is no question in their minds that you did it. Understand that most potential employeers think that you 1. Killed a pt. or 2. Stole narcotics if they see a discipline on your license. They don't know that there are a thousand violations that can get you tagged. Get a lawyer if it means eating ramen noodles every night. A discipline will haunt you until you retire or get a new license (ie RN). Pray much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, general, emerg, mash.

good for you!

I wrote as per what you wrote.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I already have my California license. I am going to go about my business, apply for jobs. Call the board on Monday, apply for liability insurance and start selling everything to move. And.... Pray!

Best wishes to you! You sound like the kind of nurse who would be an asset to our state. If you should have need to pursue this further, here is a useful link to use as a starting point.

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment