Need Advice/Help

[JackieD5]

Hello

I need some advice and/or help on a situation that has arose at my job.I am in NC.At my job our Mars/Tars are color coded for each specific shift.Ex-nights red ect.Well I work 3-11 shift and was recently made aware that during change over a 5pm med was not color coded and was missed by all the nurses for 3 weeks until the pt was sent to the ER due to having a siezure.This was a siezure med.We were all written up and they called AHCA and they came and interviewed all 8 of the nurses who were involved.(as everyone that worked that month had missed the med d/t it not being color coded)We were put on the spot and had no clue they were here to interview us and get info.most of the nurses thought it was a mandatory meeting.We were caught off guard.We all pretty much stated the same thing that we werent aware we had missed anything ect it wasnt color coded ect.Anyhow to make a long story short 5 months later I get in the mail a memo from the DOH that I am being investigated for possibly violating the nursing practice act.They are asking for a written statement in 30 days or to call and have an interview.It also mentions I may seek legal counsel.It also has attached the DONS report where she states what happened,why she believes the med was missed,how they no longer use color coding,how we have been inserviced ect.On the ACHA sheet it has checked off Neglect of vulnerable adult:o.I am very saddened by this whole thing as I have never had something like this happen before.I immediately felt I should speak with a lawyer.I called a health legal lawyer and she explained alot to me.She said I shouldnt write any statement or speak to them until I have representation or consultation.The problem is it is very expensive for a lawyer and I dont think I can afford one.I do not have malpractice insurance.I will from now on but that dosent help the fact now.I am unsure what to do and stressed.I cannot afford to lose my license and am not sure what will happen next..........Has anyone ever had anyhting like this happen to them and can offer advice? I trully appreciate it.I am unsure on what my next step shall be........

[leslie :-D]

i don't think you can afford NOT to have a lawyer.

if anything, pay for a consult where an atty can help you write your response.

boards of nsg are always in favor of the patients.

always.

they are not our friends.

get that consult...

you really shouldn't do this alone.

best of everything to you.:icon_hug:

leslie

[Lucky0220]

Just a thought..have the other nurse involved gotten this same letter? If they have, can you all get together and get the same legal representation? So sorry this happened to you.:heartbeat

[JackieD5]

Problem is the lawyer said it is a 5000 retainer fee.Its so mcuh and I called around.I dont have that.Yes all the nurses recieved this letter.I mentioned it to one nurse and she said getting a lawyer was ridiculous and we didnt need it.Stuck between a rock and a hard place.I need to do what right for me.I have my little ones depending on me.This is all so scary.I am going to see if I can scrap together the 300$ for the consulation at the least I suppose.Thank you for replying

[RainnRN]

I'm sorry this is happening to you. Contact Legal Aid to see if you qualify for free or low cost legal representation.

[nyteshade, BSN]

If I were you, I would take out a loan to cover the attorney cost at this point. I've never been in that situation, but if the legal aid doesn't work, you still gotta do something. Do not show up w/o someone representing you...state boards are known to eat nurses alive. Good luck.

[OldnurseRN]

I've been reading of this more and more. I took a hiatus from nursing for 7 years so lapsed my malpractice insurance but I have just purchased it, again. I've been back in nursing for 4 years and I'm never going to take a chance again. I do remember the questions, though, and you might be wise to try to get it now before any actions are taken against you. It seems they may not accept you if you have been sanctioned, reprimanded, etc. from your BON. Good luck.