911!! I need advice from anybody that can help!!!

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Last week... I lost my mind.. for a moment.. and said a curse word in a patient's room. It wasn't directed toward the patient, family member or anything of that nature. It was an off-handed (and STUPID) remark towards something that was on the television. The patient had used this particular curse word multiple times since I entered the room, and as previously mentioned.. I lost my mind... I immediately apologized, profusely...the patient came over, hugged me, and stated "it's no big deal, I feel more at home now".

The problem: I had to leave early, due to temp 101.5 and BP 204/103 with no clue as to what was going on. I went to the MD, and when I got out, I received a phone call from my manager stating there were "serious patient complaints" after I left.

The complaints: 1. I used vulgar language (the one word I used.. has been inflated to 3). 2. I didn't do an assessment (I did indeed to a full and complete assessment and documented it as such) according to pt and significant other which is being counted as false documentation 3. The patient questioned one of the medications that I had given and that I told her "Just take it" (I always take MARS to the room and go through them one by one as I'm popping the pills out of their unit dose packages, and there was no question of an unidentified medication when the patient took the pills). I am a patient advocate and have NEVER prompted a pt to take a questioned medication!

In short, unprofessional behavior, a medication error, and false documentation, poor patient care. This particular patient was admitted for something psychiatric in nature, and I can only guess that the significant other is enabling negative-attention-seeking behavior. I am NOT lying, I admitted that I said the curse word that I said, and I agree that some kind of consequences should come from that. I have worked for this company for almost 2 years, and have no previous discipline other than a past attendance but I've been recommended for termination and I have one last shot (in 2 days) to plead my case. I'm a very good nurse and I like my job, does anyone have any suggestions of how to fix this issue?

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Specializes in ICU./CCU/SICU.

My suggestion? Quit-you'll never get over this, even if you're "exonerated", it will always be in the back of mgmt's mind, and probably still in your personnel file. I've learned that the best path is the one with the least resistence, i'd go into the "meeting", which sounds like just a formality since they're already recommending termination, and ask for a resignation which will look better on your resume. Is this a union hospital?

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There is probably something else going on besides what you have described, to decide termination before they even talk to you. They may need to cut staffing and dont want to pay unemployment, you might be up for being vested (I worked for a place once that found a reason to fire people at 4 yrs 9 mos because they would have been vested at 5 years. Did you or someone in your family that is under their medical insurance develop a medical condition that would be expensive to treat? There is probably more to this than what you know. they should be. backing up their nurses! And sometimes you have to talk the pt's language which means that it is sometimes necessary to "cuss" esp where I work and I work at a VA. I would definately start looking elseware, if they are looking and nit picking you dont need to be there

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There's no union, no real support for nurses as it becomes a "he said, she said" situation... where "they said, and I said". I'd heard that there were some underlying "hospital" issues months ago and to watch my butt, however I'm such a details freak that I never gave reason to take a second glance in my direction. No news is good news, because how often are you ever called to an office to hear how good you're doing. Thank you, and all the advice I can get is welcomed! I know I messed up!

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I amreally sorry to hear about your resend dilemma, I feel nurses are being picked on tremendously by patients and the worst part is they are getting away with it not realising the scars they leave behind.

It is possible that the unit is looking for easy ways to down size on staff so I would look in to that if I where you. Just some quick questions though accept for the "he said she said" did any one in the unit do an assesment after what the patient said and found any thing contradictory to your assesment and they don't really have grounds to take into consideration that proper assesment was not done, so there would be no grounds for false documentation, and secondly if the patient questioned the medication she had the right to refuse to take it and if she knows she has a right to complain she knows she has a right to refuse treatment which makes the medication error questionable unless they have documentation to staff there medication error. As for use of vulgar language well if you have apologised to the patient there is not much more you can do about that if the patient does not want to accept the apology.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

It stinks when it's your word against a client's, as management is highly apt to take the stand point that the client is always right. You've already admitted to saying the curse word. You have documentation backing up the fact that you did a complete assessment. The medication issue can't necessarily be disproved with documentation, but given the nature of the psych history - it should play well into your favor. How have your last employee reviews been? Anything notable? That would also play out into your reputation.

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Specializes in ER, education, mgmt.

PDC, really there is only one thing you can do. Own up to what you did do, deny what you did not. You have no control over whether they believe you or not. As previous posters mentioned, there could be other things going on that you are unaware of. If they choose to believe you, great- learn from this (this also provides a very valuable lesson into the culture of this workplace). If they do not believe you it is just as well- you don't want to be there anyway. I know jobs are hard to come by now, but you can and will find another job. good luck and keep us posted.

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Specializes in critical care; hospice.

wow! What a sticky situation to be in. I agree with the others that management is in the "customer is always right" business. But...what about support for nursing...advocacy..to be more precise. DO you belong to a union? The bottom line is that despite how this turns out..and if you choose to continue employment at this facility...you have already been branded. Management will continue to look at you very closely...and who likes to work under that pressure? I know that leaving this current job might seem like an expression of guilt...but despite your careful (and legal) documentation, good nursing skills, and the fact you realized you misspoke when you "cussed" and immediately apologized....you have done everything right. Next question....is this worth it? Do you have alot vested in this company? Realize that you can sit and wait this out and continue to be the good nurse you know you are....or you can choose to eliminate this stress from your life...and move on..and learn from it. Nurses are in high demand. I really feel for you and your situation...and it is SOOO TOUGH to be on the side of the stick you are on. Please keep us updated and let us kow how this turns out. Best wishes!

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first I would like to say I certainly hope you are feeling better. Second, know when to cut your losses and move on. I have been in a he said she said situation during my clinical rotation no less, and it totally stinks! Im not a nurse yet... my board exam is in (gulp) 4 days. I feel the best course of action is to turn in your resignation it will work much better for you in the long run. Best of luck.

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If you are terminated, check with the unemployment board anyway. At least in some states people who have been terminated may be able to collect unemployment if the employer cannot provide absolute proof of the allegations for which you were terminated. Hospitals and other employers hate this.

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Specializes in ICU./CCU/SICU.

With no union, you're on your own. I would quit personally-like I said before. Mgmt. are "yes" people who aren't clinically-minded, they're management-minded. Most of them are bean counters who treat nursing units like Burger King-healthcare is not a "have it your way" situation. Some patients are just nuts, some are jerks who probably complain everywhere they go, and some have legitimate reasons to complain, but it's hard to sort out one from another these days. The issues you're facing are serious when you think about them, false documentation, etc. I'd get your resume together, go into your "meeting" and ask if you can resign as well as stating your innocence.

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I'd resign and get your resume out there ASAP. I absolutely believe you are telling the truth and your patient's mental illness is in play here, but you are fighting a losing battle. They will fire you to try and avoid a lawsuit. You deserve better.

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