License under investigation

[ColtonsGma, LPN]

Hi all. Looking for some advice. 6 months ago, as a new nurse, I had no experience with a wound vac so during a tx I assisted the tx nurse but signed if off in the mar under my name. Neither one of us prog noted and the res complained he wasn't having his txs done. My facility was cited and now I'm under investigation my DON has a request for info from the board but I never received a letter at all. My question is do I need to give a statement to the board? Should I personally contact them? I thought at the time as long as I witnessed and/or assisted I could sign off but now I'm being told no. I checked my BON and my license says active and no action against it. It's was a new nurse mistake that has never happened again and I chart everything. And advice would be much appreciated

[Floor_Nurse]

I would not contact the Board (of Nursing.) Since they haven't requested any statement or response from you, then perhaps there's no investigation on their part.

I would definitely prepare a statement in advance (put it on paper.) Keep it professional and to the point. Perhaps you'll get called into the DON's office, or maybe not. That statement will keep the facts straight. Never offer additional info that isn't pertinent.

I get "called-in" to speak with State investigators perhaps once a year. Sometimes it's about an allegation that occurred when it was my day off! But I always prepare a hand-written statement to keep my details in order...including the time.

This sounds like a "wait & see" situation. As long as they keep letting you come in to work each day then do so, and be careful to do everything right...especially signing you name to something in the MAR.

[ColtonsGma, LPN]

Thank you so much for your reply! I will write out a statement and keep it in my file. I gave my Administrator and DON a statement verbally and now I'll put one in my file. Thank you for your advice!