Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!
I'm sorry you're going through this, and it must be incredibly stressful. First, take a deep breath. We've all made errors. A medication error does not define you. Here's a step-by-step approach to handling the situation:
Take it one step at a time and remember that this is an opportunity for growth.
Best wishes,
Nurse Beth
I would disagree with a few things. Speak with an attorney BEFORE you do anything. DO NOT call the nursing board directly. It can take months from the time a complaint is made until you hear from them. Calling them can just move things along faster which gives you less time to prepare. Logs, journals, diaries, etc. can be discoverable so DO NOT write down everything in as much detail as possible UNTIL you have spoken with counsel and can write it as a private memo to your lawyer to protect it. Start taking medication administration safety courses now so you can collect CME certificates of completion BEFORE you receive any notification that you are being investigated. Nurses ARE disciplined for medication errors. If you are currently in practice it can be easy to make another error just because you are anxious. See a lawyer sooner, rather than later so you have an actual context & can get the support you need.
To OP: you have received good advice so far. I have a minor disagreement w/JPHeeler. Write down what happened for your private use only. This type of journaling can help you reconstruct what happened and is good for self-reflection.
Every RN, NP, and MD has made medication errors. I certainly have. Please don't panic.
Also, many RNs, NPs, and MDs, get reported to their respective boards and are still practicing. I know NPs that are still practicing that were reported and disciplined for, among other things:
- drunk driving
- shoplifting and substance abuse (same person)
- opioid pain med abuse
They had to take remedial actions to the satisfaction of the nursing board, but they completed those and are still practicing.
Please consult with an attorney that helps nurses.
Best wishes
I agree with Edie. Also, think (don't write) about why the error happened and how to prevent it in the future. Take classes based on your self reflection. It may not be all about medication error. Time management? Pharmacology? ADHD? Dyslexic? Critical thinking? If you are questioned, answer only the question and don't fill in uncomforable silences. I'm assuming you don't have to worry about any patient law suit? What is the statute of limitations where it happened? Just because you get an attorney doesnt mean you don't have to do your own research and stay diligent. But your license is worth it, and the faster, the better, the attorney may be able to stop it from ever reaching the BON. If you get an option to get your job back, take it, even for a short time until you can quit on your own terms, it most likely will look better for you.
Published
I made a med error; got fired and my job is reporting me to BON. What do I do.?
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