Just had a Consent Agreement go into effect, I feel like I'm hanging in limbo

Nurses Recovery

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So to make a long story somewhat short, I was working at a hospital, full time, night shift ( I have been a nurse for 5 years) and also going through a lot of issues at home, husband with MS, taking care of 3 of my sisters kids for over 6 months, driving my husband to get Solumedrol treatments and then coming home, putting on my scrubs and going to work. I was also in the process of seeing a psychiatrist for the first time in my life because I guess I finally felt like I couldn't "hold it all in" anymore (long history of sexual and physical abuse) on top of everything that was going on at the time.

I thought I was doing the right thing, my job at the time didn't make it very flexible for me to switch shifts or call off (no-one wanted to switch with me I worked nights) SO I kept going to work, doing my job, until one night my supervisor pulls me off the floor (with a security guard) searches all of my stuff, drug and alcohol test me, sends me home...... Days later, everything came back normal, no drugs or alcohol in my system. The complaint stemmed from a "anonymous coworker" reporting that I was "acting strangely", "appearing tired in report". Well I was to go back to my job and the day before I was to go back they callled me in and basically forced me to resign or be terminated. They gave me a wonderful reference letter by the way.

I move onto another job, have been working their for almost a year, then a few months ago I receive correspondence from the board that my case in being investigated. I comply with them (knowing I didn't really do anything wrong), well then I end up being sent a consent agreement, putting my license on monitored probabation, with restrictions (such as not being a nursing supervisor, manager , etc) I do not have any drug or patient care restrictions. I have also hired an attorney to get the restrictions lifted (or try to).

Problem is, my current job, which I have been at for almost a year has had me on paid leave for 4 days while they "figure out what they are going to do with me". I have been their for almost a year, full time, great evaluations... And here I am sitting at home wondering If I am going to get a phone call and get fired!

I got kinda down on the world, like , can we not be RN's , nurses, whatever and be human beings also. YES, I was seeing a psychiatrist, I was tired, my body was adjusting to the medications he prescribed me but at no point did I make a med error, harm a patient or call off of work.

I find a lot of posts about drug and alcohol rehab but I cannot find anyone to talk to about this, or anyone who has been in a similiar situation. ANY bit of advice would be greatly appreciated!

Love ya!~

Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Goto - Hey! Just wanted to check on you. You have been in my thoughts, and I have been praying for you and your husband in this situation. I am so sorry you are having to endure this BS. Please take care of yourself.

Anne, RNC :banghead::banghead:

Specializes in Med/Surg - Home Health - Education.

GoTo,

What do you mean that this is on your license? I have never seen an application for a nursing position asking if I have a mental condition. The only thing you are required to report to a prospective employer is if you are on probation from the BON. It is non of their business.

I thought I understood what you were going through, but I am now confused.

Specializes in OB, HH, ADMIN, IC, ED, QI.
GoTo,

What do you mean that this is on your license? I have never seen an application for a nursing position asking if I have a mental condition. The only thing you are required to report to a prospective employer is if you are on probation from the BON. It is non of their business.

I thought I understood what you were going through, but I am now confused.

What it means, is that the question on some applications: "Are there limitations on your license?" would have to be answered, "Yes":(

I'm so sorry. I hope you don't lose your current job. Is this something you can appeal?! If yes, I would. Let your current job know you have a lawyer and are fighting this. By all accounts it sounds like you were a wonderful nurse with an excellent record that someone decided to mar. Sadly you paid the price when this really wasn't about you. Maybe the person who reported you was jealous of your excellent nursing skills and wonderful record. That's all too often the case in situations like this one.

Truthfully I think you have an excellent case for wrongful termination but no one seems willing to take the vultures on. Shameful because they need to be knocked down a few pegs for threatening you. They're disgusting.

You hold your head high and get the help you need. Does this mark on your license get expunged in time?! When?! It's always a sin to lose a good nurse and there are many of others before you who had to deal with this same nonsense. If you feel you would be happier in a new career you should go for it but if you will miss nursing take a little breather and come back to the field.

This he said/she said stuff sucks. It's virtually impossible to defend yourself but with your clean tests and various positive letters I wonder if you should have appeared in front of the BON. What a horrible loss to the nursing community if someone like you bites the dust. It's absurd that one anonymous remark resulted in all this but what goes around eventually comes around. They'll get theirs in spades.

Share none of this with your current co-workers if you remain on the job and if you go to a new one this shouldn't be shared with anyone that doesn't need to know. Keep personal really private from here on out to better protect yourself. Hugs.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Hang in there, GoTo.

This isn't over.

Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

GotoGirl,

I don't know where you're located but there is a research and support center in Cincinnati that has been very very helpful for my cousin who lives there. It took her nearly 20 years to get a proper diagnosis after being told all sorts of things that were incorrect and get the MS diagnosis.

Hugs,

Kathy:paw::paw:

Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Hey GoTo, Haven't heard from you in awhile....What's happening? Still thinking about you and sending best wishes! :nurse:

So to make a long story somewhat short, I was working at a hospital, full time, night shift ( I have been a nurse for 5 years) and also going through a lot of issues at home, husband with MS, taking care of 3 of my sisters kids for over 6 months, driving my husband to get Solumedrol treatments and then coming home, putting on my scrubs and going to work. I was also in the process of seeing a psychiatrist for the first time in my life because I guess I finally felt like I couldn't "hold it all in" anymore (long history of sexual and physical abuse) on top of everything that was going on at the time.

I thought I was doing the right thing, my job at the time didn't make it very flexible for me to switch shifts or call off (no-one wanted to switch with me I worked nights) SO I kept going to work, doing my job, until one night my supervisor pulls me off the floor (with a security guard) searches all of my stuff, drug and alcohol test me, sends me home...... Days later, everything came back normal, no drugs or alcohol in my system. The complaint stemmed from a "anonymous coworker" reporting that I was "acting strangely", "appearing tired in report". Well I was to go back to my job and the day before I was to go back they callled me in and basically forced me to resign or be terminated. They gave me a wonderful reference letter by the way.

I move onto another job, have been working their for almost a year, then a few months ago I receive correspondence from the board that my case in being investigated. I comply with them (knowing I didn't really do anything wrong), well then I end up being sent a consent agreement, putting my license on monitored probabation, with restrictions (such as not being a nursing supervisor, manager , etc) I do not have any drug or patient care restrictions. I have also hired an attorney to get the restrictions lifted (or try to).

Problem is, my current job, which I have been at for almost a year has had me on paid leave for 4 days while they "figure out what they are going to do with me". I have been their for almost a year, full time, great evaluations... And here I am sitting at home wondering If I am going to get a phone call and get fired!

I got kinda down on the world, like , can we not be RN's , nurses, whatever and be human beings also. YES, I was seeing a psychiatrist, I was tired, my body was adjusting to the medications he prescribed me but at no point did I make a med error, harm a patient or call off of work.

I find a lot of posts about drug and alcohol rehab but I cannot find anyone to talk to about this, or anyone who has been in a similiar situation. ANY bit of advice would be greatly appreciated!

Love ya!~

Religious counsel? EAP at your job? Hold on, it will get better.

Yes not wanting to "bite the dust" but I have a husband with MS, a house to keep up and an incredible sense of pride in being the best that I can be. I am ashamed and embarassed and who the hell is going to hire me for supposedly being "Mentally impaired"(after being sexually and physically violated for 12 years)-- when 3 doctors reported I have PTSD and depression in substantial remission, have never missed an appt, have never had a patient complaint, have never had a med error.... But who the hell will hire me with this on my LICENSE! Put myself through college and graduated 3.5 gpa.... Student Loans here I come, guess I will go back to school. I will not work in a profession where I cannot be a human being also. I will not work in a profession that reiterates compassion and communication when fellow coworkers will stab you in the back as soon as you turn around. Perhaps I am naive, perhaps I haven't learned the great art of kissing ass to get ahead; I thought I could just be the best nurse I could be, keep the patients safe and comfortable and somehow make it in this field. I guess I was wrong. 4 years of college down the *******!

I'm really sorry that all of this has happened. But please don't give up hope. Tomorrow will be brighter. It will.

Specializes in ped/adult medsurg, specialty infusion.

I'm still alive, still haven't heard anything from my job. The restrictions were lifted so that I could continue at my job 2 weeks ago but still haven't heard from them. I haven't been online much to update because I have been feeling really crappy like I just want to curl up in my bed and hide from the world. It has been very hard for me in past week or two. Just not knowing. Thanks to those who are thinking of me and offering advice

Specializes in OB, HH, ADMIN, IC, ED, QI.

The expression, "Fake it 'til you make it" has been very helpful for me, when adversity raised its ugly head.

You may need the rest, and if you think your covers haven't been over your head long enough, go for it!

Whenever it seems that the rest has outlived its worth, start volunteering at a health related agency. American Red Cross has an excellent Disaster Health Services Training Program, and you'll get to be with "winners" at the "game" of nursing there.. They may be somewhat older than you are, but te stories they tell.........!

Many of the retired people working at places like that, are on the Boards of Hospitals. I wouldn't pour your story out to them, but a general remark that suggests improvement is needed...... could make all the difference.

Volunteering is very good for self esteem!!!!

Specializes in ped/adult medsurg, specialty infusion.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I think what I do is put all my self worth into my career as an RN, so the past few weeks not working, I feel worthless. Volunteering or even working for an organization like that is an awesome idea. My husband gets upset when he comes home and I am in a crappy mood just laying around but I feel like the time off has kind of sucked my energy out of me. I think I need to find self worth in something other than my job because people face things like this everyday and I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and "do something" about it! I can't tell you all how much your support has helped me get through. To hear from other nurses and people in the medical profession that do not even know me and want to help and even just their kind words really help me pull through! Thanks again. :heartbeat

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