Right med but suspended

[CJ2121]

Need help. I was pulled into HR concerning a patient's chart. I gave the right pt the correct antibiotic at the correct time. BUT it would not scan. I got caught up with a few other pts and two hrs later went in and manually entered the med was given and at what time. I got suspended. I have been a RN for two years, always on time, worked extra shifts and volunteered to come it at times.

It seems that did not matter. My supervisor was not there nor my assistent supervisor. I told them this should be a teachable moment not suspension. Also we have problems with the COWs all the time.

I feel like this was not fair.

I said that I feel that i should not be fired over this. They said " we didnt say you were being fired" but they did not say i wasnt. First time being called to hr. This does not feel right to me and i need help.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

I'm so sorry you're going through this, the whole situation sounds absurd. I echo others above that you may be better off in the long run finding a new job if this is how your institution operates.

In the future, if you're ever called to the carpet for any reason, you should get comfortable speaking up for yourself a bit more (I know you are relatively new and were blindsided). You do not have to agree to meet with HR alone about an issue like this, you should insist on talking to your manager about it first (or whoever is covering them if they're on vacation), and having them or someone from nursing leadership/management present at any meeting. You should also insist on seeing exactly what written policy you have violated, as well as insist on seeing where in the employee handbook it states that this was a fireable offense. Even if we call this an "error," which to me it was not, there should be some sort of 3 or 4 step process for warnings/mediation before you just get canned, particularly if you've never had a write-up of any kind in the past. If they're going to fire you, they need to be able to back up the rationale. Otherwise, get an attorney.

[Suzey]

I agree with the other replies that it may be that you are not part of any clique and don't engage in conversation because that makes you 'not a member of the team' or, as I've heard many a mangager say about a newbie, doesn't fit in with the department culture.

I also agree that if it's not what I said above, that there is SOMETHING, some reason no matter how minuscule, that they are trying to push you out for. In my case, I was once fired because I was smarter than them, and this is all too common.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you are the scapegoat of the week,this is very harsh if you have not had other issues,I think you are getting set up.

I once had a fellow nurse keep pretending to have my back while meeting my venting of bad shifts with suggestions that I quit...later I found out that nurse was pregnant and wanted my shift/position.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

No other issues with anyone. I go to work, take care of my pts, and go home. I dont gossip nor am I chatty. I am that quiet nurse that is there to work.

Already started looking for jobs and will be sending out resumes tomorrow.

This could be the trouble. You're not gossiping and buddying up to anyone. I'm being sort of tongue-in-cheek. I am more or less a lone wolf, too. I talk about the weather, ooh and ahh about coworkers' kids and grandkids and pets photos if they show them, but tell little of my own life at work. I tend to be quiet like you. People might not trust you for this very reason, ironic though it is.

I think it's really odd that your direct nurse boss wasn't present, didn't say anything to you. This just confirms my worst feelings about HR. You need to get your boss' input on this matter, just for your own peace of mind, even though you are leaving. Best wishes.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Hmmm maybe the "forces" are telling you to start hunting for a better job?

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Seems more of a teachable moment, but ya know.

[Zhuriel, MSN]

What's unfortunate is that they suspended you first time around when it should be a teaching moment. Train you about the correct way to administer drugs when it comes to malfunctions like that. I'm sorry that they are treating you that way. Hopefully in the future it will be better. Always make it aware to your lead if you think something is not working and go fr. there. I wish you the best.

[CJ2121]

Update: HR called and told me that this will be treated with more education. She said my DON wants me to report to work on saturday. HR also said my supervisor will be calling me today as well.

Happy to know that I have a job. Im looking at this as a opportunity to take my time to find the right jobs to apply to. Plus after talking to a close nursing friend i took steps to go back to school for my masters in nursing.

I cannot thank you all enough for helping me get through this mentally horrible experience. But a huge eye opener.

The next chapter with me will be a new job and continuing education.

[Wuzzie]

Are they going to pay you back-pay for the days you missed?

[CJ2121]

Yes, I will get the back pay for days missed.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Yes, I will get the back pay for days missed.

I knew it. This was HR running rogue and your DON straightened them out. Remind your supervisor that you work hard to be conscientious and this whole experience was unnecessary. Best wishes, whatever you decide going forward.

[CJ2121]

Thank you and i will do that. Plus, to show i am a bigger person i will find out who had to come in and cover my shift and trade a day with them.