Humiliated and scared

Determined33 · Mar 5

Dear Overthamoon,

I am very sorry this happened to you, it is clear by what you have shared that you did not mean for this to happen. You weren't feeling well, and you were probably more tired than you thought you were, and your body and your brain wanted more than "a few" minutes to rest. Being in nursing school is very challenging and being a CNA is a demanding position. I don't have too much advice to offer but know that I am prayerfully supporting you. I am sure you are not the first or the last person for this to happen to. Most importantly, you are taking responsibility for your part, and you know that this was not acceptable behavior while at work. I suspect they may already know that you are a nursing student, and it seems that you are also likely a competent CNA. If you are, I am sure that they would not want to lose you, as CNA's are very important (I am an RN and I thank God for great CNA's whenever I am blessed to have them!). I am glad that your lab results will prove that you were not intoxicated, I hope they come in asap, and help clear things up very soon! Being exhausted and stressed can be manifested in ways that may seem like something else is going on, hence, they opted for additional tests. On your employer's part, they have to watch out for their selves and make sure the situation is safe. Always remember, Nursing is all about SAFETY, safety for everyone involved, especially patients, and preventing problems and errors, etc.

Stay accountable for yourself and your work. At your next in-person meeting (or in an email if needed), reiterate that you understand that this was not acceptable and that you will not let this happen again. Clearly state the actions will take.... as an example... tell the charge nurse you are not feeling well and request to go home a little early, if possible. *** This too shall pass and will one day be a story for you to tell and help someone else. May God bless you now and always, never give up and never give in. ?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 5

Sleeping on the job is always a no-no. However.. it's almost expected on night shift. WAY overkill for a nap. A CT scan.. come ON! Do not be humiliated or scared. Find yourself a day job.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Mar 5

I'm sorry you're experiencing this. It sounds like you were exhausted and the headache and being woken from a deep sleep can account for your confusion and symptoms. Hold tight for the negative screens. Nursing school stressful and tiring even for those who don't have to work overnights at the same time. I don't know how you do it, to be honest. I hope you're feeling better, and can find a way to balance school and work.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 5

I agree that it's way overkill to take you to the ER and be examined by a doctor.

That aside, this happened to a coworker when she fell asleep and was awakened and the supervisor thought she might be under the influence, but it was just how she woke up. I sometimes wake up incoherent myself, so can understand. When the drug/ETOH tests came back negative, that was the end of that. Hopefully that will be the end of it for you as well.

I also understand the publicness of it. I had to go down once and give a drug test over a missing gabapentin which at the time was considered a controlled substance. I tell everyone in the lab knew why I was there and was under suspicion. Anyway it was negative and life went on.

Good luck!

winniewoman9060ret · Mar 5

You fell asleep. You're doing too much, you're in a tough spot right now. But you weren't fired on the spot. That's good. As you state everything will come back negative, then acknowledge your mistake. And move on. The company is protecting itself. Gone are the days when people would have come looking for you, and protect you!

subee, MSN, CRNA · Mar 5

Overthamoon said:

I am a CNA currently in nursing school and just need some honest opinions and direction on my current situation. A couple days ago I was found sleeping at the end of my night shift. I had a headache and finished my round, at about 6:20 I told my coworker that I would be in the relaxation room for a few. Went in sat in the massage chair and next thing I know my co worker is waking me up saying it's shift change. It wasn't just shift change....it was 7:20. Instant panic. Charge told me to speak with her after report. She said that corporate would be calling me. I asked if she would speak with me in private so she called the house supervisor and we went in the break room. They said they thought that I was intoxicated. I immediately said I would be happy to submit to any test in order to disprove this. We go down to the ED where I was told I was twitching and my eyes were dilated by the doctor. While speaking with the doc I began to cry out of embarrassment of the whole thing. Everyone I spoke to said that I wasn't acting like myself even though I had never met this doctor or had any interaction with day shift charge and house supervisor. I provided 2 urine sample and had blood drawn twice. They also did a CT scan.

After all of this was completed they said I need to get a ride or call a taxi because they didn't want me to drive my vehicle. I put my foot down with this and would be driving myself home. They informed me the would have to notify the sheriff department that I was leaving in my car. About 10 min after getting home the sheriff stopped by and said he was just checking on me and left immediately. I'm waiting on the results of my tests that were sent to an outside lab. The labs will be 100% negative. I have never been this embarrassed and humiliated before, just typing out this post has me crying again. I know that I majorly screwed up by falling asleep, that is not OK. Period.

But I am mortified about how public this all was and I do not understand why I was accused of of inebriation. I don't know what to think or do currently right now. I'm scared of being fired and even more so that I destroyed my reputation completely. IDK I'm just looking for some insight and guidance and I'm seeking overall opinion on the situation.

6:20 is a terrible time to fall asleep on the night shift. You are almost at the end. I used to go to a private place and do 50 jumping jacks to stay awake and never slept during a shift. But, you are learning from this experience. It's over and no one will give it a second thought except you. They will be trying to stay awake themselves! We've all done slightly dumb stuff and if this is your worst, you are in good shape to go.

allnurses Guide · Mar 6

You need an attorney. Don't talk to anyone at work about this. Admit to nothing. If your tests come back negative and you are terminated you may have a cause for action.

vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 6

You are a human. Period. And you are NEVER obligated to undergo such an ordeal. I would have just left, and retained counsel. NEVER let any employer hold you against your will and subject you to testing and treatment...

FACMcLean, CNA · Mar 6

OverthaMoon,

So sorry for what happened. I'm sure it's hard. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. I am a CNA as well. I think it would be a good idea to have some plan (attorney) just in case you are unjustly punished (e.g. fired and no evidence of drugs. etc.). I agree with everyone who has responded that the supervisor and others are trying to protect themselves (they aren't thinking about you). Although, there is a humane and reasonable way to do this. At the end of the day they don't look like they didn't do their job. However, if your test results haven't come in already. They should show that those individuals over did it and that you were telling the truth.

Also, you told people where you were and what you were doing and someone should have said something, but they didn't. That says enough about the people you work with. Don't trust them. They aren't going to look out for you, obviously.

Not everyone can work a day shift. Some people's schedules won't allow them to. So, if you can't do a day shift don't kill yourself over it. You are in Nursing school and day shifts aren't practical unless you do night classes, which some schools don't offer. I know because I am going to be getting into nursing school and I know nurses who have had to work and go to school. They all say the same thing I am. Not generally practical.

Yes, falling asleep is a no - no, but it happens. I have been there too (more so dozed) and I have seen nurses who have fallen asleep at work as well (we generally, will wake each other if we see the other falling asleep). Most of the time you don't even realize you are. You can be typing out a report/updating someone's chart and fall asleep. Also, why do they have a massage chair?? Honestly, who wouldn't fall asleep in a chair like that? No judgement on you though. I am sure you have thought it over a hundred times, what you should have done, but I would encourage you to forgive yourself and to allow this to help you grow as a person and a professional (and like someone else said in the comments, "help someone else").

These people accusing you don't seem like they are reasonable, so I would get legal help if I wanted to keep my job. Otherwise, I would talk with those people (Supervisor, charge, etc.) make it clear that you made a mistake and that you are sorry, let them know that it wasn't intentional but an accident and that you didn't even realize you had fallen asleep. Let them know how you will make sure it won't happen again that way they see that you have thought things through and will do better. Also, if this is the first time you have done anything like this I wouldn't beat myself up over it. They will see that and should forgive the mistake. If not this is not the end of the world. Try again but take the lessons with you. I'm saying this from my own experiences. Take courage.

Blessed be.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Mar 6

vintagegal said:

You are a human. Period. And you are NEVER obligated to undergo such an ordeal. I would have just left, and retained counsel. NEVER let any employer hold you against your will and subject you to testing and treatment...

If a person is suspected of substance abuse they go do the drug screen or risk being reported to the BON if they refuse. Too often, they just leave and move on to another employer. I don't have enough information to know the circumstances of this case but if they had no other patterns of behavior, this sounds like a real over reaction on the employer's part, especially the CT. But you know what? I bet this person will never make that mistake again. Hopefully she can learn how to adjust to nights by working hard on getting enough rest.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Mar 6

I'm sorry this happened to you. Once the dust settles, and you feel safe again, it will be time to evaluate this position.

Your mistake was innocent. You are a human being, you needed sleep and your body got it. No one was harmed.

What caused the overreaction?

There could be so many reasons this happened. I couldn't tell you all of them but they could range from racism, to a toxic culture, to people feeling like you don't do enough on the unit.

How people react once you are cleared also matters. Does the charge nurse apologize for jumping to conclusions? Does anyone listen and understand that you were a human being who was tired?

If not, and if your charge nurse and others are smug about this, it's time to move on. Workplace culture is extremely important in healthcare.