Hello all, quick question. Need to know of other stories, humble advice, etc before I cash out a 401K to pay for an atty who actually used to WORK for the BON prosecuting nurses.
I worked at a very busy hospital, night shift, rare to get lunch, half the time no aides. Carried my pt med, including narcotics, in my pocket (my desk) and when they didn't nee the pain medication, RETURNED it, but not in the timely 60 min time frame necessary. This red flagged me. I finally gave two week notice for the hospital because they kept calling us before a peer review, etc. seemingly to bully us. Next step, was receiving a letter stating I needed to sign up for somethintg called KNAP for nurses who practice impaired! I shared my willingness to be tested anytime as I'm innocent (except for margaritas on date night) but it would be on THEIR dime, not mine. Needless to say, they sent my case back to the BON, who now think my license should be revoked? Seriously, on no evidence???
I will pay for an atty but am LIVID at working so hard and I feel the facts should present themselves and will come out in the wash. Ive been cordially invited to a prehearing.
Am I being too naive?
Is the money worth it for the atty (gasp, $6000)?
Help! Anyone been in this predicament and can humbly lend advice?
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Man...the BON is NOT your friend! Call your malpractice if you have it right NOW! DO NOT go without representation. It is very easy to match statements, location....little clues to all lead to your identity. Nothing is completely anonymous
At the very least they could reprimand you for unprofessional conduct (i.e charting late on a controlled substance). They could choose to take that in many directions. Everyone here has offered you excellent advice.
I more than likely will, yet tell me what makes you state this so vehemently? Just stories you've heard? Why would they seem to OUT TO GET ONE with no evidence?
I'm willing to stand before them yet every one is saying NO.
I just need to know why NO.
Normally I don't post in this forum, but I feel compelled this time.
Would you let an attorney catheterize a patient or insert an NG tube? Why not? Because they are not a nurse! You, my friend, are not an attorney. You do your job and let the attorney do theirs.
(just so you don't take my post wrong, I am honestly not trying to be snide, just trying to state the facts)
Malpractice insurance. Call them. If not, I would not hesitate to have an attorney.
If you returned the narcotic there has to be some sort of proof. Either in the medication system's record (ie: Pyxis) or on the nifty camera in the medication administration area.
Word to the wise going forward, always, ALWAYS make sure you have a witness to a waste, (and as an aside-- if you are the witness that you actually witness) and that you also have a witness to a return of a narcotic-- if it is not into a medication dispensing machine that records this.
I know that there are rules regarding dispensing of medications within a 60 minute time period. Usually, if that is not done, then one has an occurence report done on them, (which on busy days can be multiple nurses). So I question why this is something that is even going to the BON. So there may be other "facts" that the facility has on this. To then go directly to needing a monitoring program as they have suggested--it is just odd.
If you can afford it, get an attorney. Even if you are completely innocent. In their eyes, you are guilty. Otherwise, you might never work again. If you can't afford it, prepare for the worst. They skewered me. Sometimes I think it's a good thing. I don't think I can work under that kind of pressure. I'm the sadder but wiser girl! Good luck to you! I4P
Do you know who has attorneys working for them? The people who started the case (your employer) and the people who will decide whether what you did was legal or not (the BON). Representing yourself is like taking a knife to a gun fight.
leonard888
5 Posts
Interesting again, sharing my quote and making fun? That's unnecessary.
Thanks to those who answered factually minus the sarcasm.