LPN in trouble......

NursePeace · Dec 10, 2007

Thanks again for all the encouraging replies!! I got a job two hours after I was fired so at least my 4 year old can have a decent christmas!! The circumstances are still getting to me though........stay positive:)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 11, 2007

It may have been out of the scope of practice for the CNA at that particular facility, but I think that the penalty was too strict for a first offense. Did you have enemies at this place?? And, as stated, she did not ask the person to administer medications. Now, you have to know the scope of practice for each title at each facility, for sure...some people are more limited depending on where they work. And, CNAs know how to do MANY things, depending on where they have worked in the past, but that doesn't mean that she should have been able to do it there.

I am worried about them contacting the BON. If they do, and they decide to make a big deal out of this, your next job may be affected, and that is scary...

I wish you the very best of luck in your new job, and next time, make sure that you obtain the scope of practice for yourself and everyone around you.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 11, 2007

Exactly! and not only did they fire her, they want to go after her license as well so that she no longer has the means to support herself in her chosen field. It's not like she had the CNA giving insulin. CBG's are a delegatable activity in many many places. Now maybe she should have checked with her manger to see if it was ok, but it isn't like she was asking the CNA to do something out of their scope of practice.

That is the part that enrages me...they wish to take away her career and stop her from supporting her family for a silly situation. I don't think the situation warrents all of this...it really makes me wonder if she has enemies that were looking for an excuse to terminate. The aide should be in trouble as well.

secondthought · Dec 11, 2007

I'm an RN student (graduating Dec '08) and I'm sorry to hear about the situation. It does seem like the penalty was greater than the crime. I'm as schocked to read the perspective that most hold about the nursing assistants. It's as if they're some kind of sub-class of humans. I really feel that some of you ought to be ashamed of how you look at your aides, if not, view yourselves as harshly for keeping these most untrustworthy, incompetent people around your patients. Nurses SHOULD know the scopes of practice for themselves and others but NEVER assume an inferior character (lazy, dumb, dangerous, etc.) because of a more limeted scope of practice! :nono:

jean333 · Dec 11, 2007

I can NOT evem imagine them taking your license for that..give me a break! I am a brand new nurse and no doubt I am going to make mistakes and be chewed out but to try and ruin someones dream for something like this....please! It just sounds to me like a huge grudge and I am a firm believer that you "reap what you sow".... and it sounds like your boss was sowing a grudge and one day will pay for this behavior.....this should have been used as a teaching moment to make you a better nurse. Shame on your boss if that was her reason. Happy to hear you have a new job and I will say a prayer for you.

Jean

caliotter3 · Dec 11, 2007

Sorry to hear that you were fired. Definitely not appropriate for what happened, but probably on the DON's long term agenda. Glad you got a new job two hours later. That is probably a record. Give our regards to your four year old. Glad she will have a Christmas.

Make sure to check out your malpractice insurance for the clause that states they will cover your representation for your case before the board if it should go that far. Start looking for an attorney now. Call around and get an idea about what they want for retainers, etc. Consult the website of The American Assn of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) for a referral to a nurse attorney. You have to take the threat seriously and prepare for the worst even though that person may not follow up on what she stated. Good luck. Hope that everything works out in your favor.

SunbabiLPN · Dec 11, 2007

Congrats on your new job. I hope everything works out for you. If there was any question about what a CNA can or cannot do I would err on the side of caution and do it myself. Make sure you read the cna scope of practice at your new job. Good luck and best wishes!!!

NursePeace · Dec 12, 2007

Well....good news. I emailed my BON yesterday. Explained the story and asked about ohio laws on delegation. I recieved an email this afternoon (fast huh?) Fingersticks are delegateable as well as a boat load of stuff I didnt know. I think this is bitter sweet. I know that I do my job the best I can but for anybody to ever be able to put doubt in your head really gets to me. Well I dont know what Im gonna do with this information but I hate to walk away with my tail between my legs when I did nothing wrong. Thanks for all of your AWESOME replies. Youll never know how much they helped

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 12, 2007

I would frame a copy of that email and place it over my computer to look at each day. So, essentially, you did nothing wrong...is that what the BON is saying? I am glad that they responded quickly. But, be sure that you get the scope of practice of aides, RNs and LPNs the next place you go to, because while the BON may say it is okay, we have to consider policy and procedure of the facilities we work for.

Good luck to you. I am glad this was a positive outcome.

caliotter3 · Dec 12, 2007

Wow! A positive response as well as a fast response from the board. You are almost batting 1000! Congratulations on your victory. Yes. Keep that email in a safe place. I just know that your new job will turn out to be a big improvement for you. Best wishes for the holidays and a great new year to you and your family!!

Poochee · Dec 13, 2007

Did you contact your former employer, to let them know what the board said?

NursePeace · Dec 13, 2007

No....Ive actually contacted a lawyer. Sooooo we will see what happens.