My life is over!

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Last Friday night I worked 10pm-6am and was called in to work at noon. The weekend manager said it was an emergency that she had to talk with me. I go in and they tell me that a resident told day shift that I had been verbally abusive with her roommate. I comply with the facility totally. State comes in this week for annual survey this week and they interview the roommate and they feel she is uncomfortable with me and according to the DON they told her that they wanted me out of the facility and substantiated the claim of abuse. I am terminated today. The DON told me that in 10 working days State will have decided whether or not this will go on my abuse record and to call her. I never verbally abused anyone, the person I was working with was in the room the whole time and the resident had no specific complaint just that everybody treats her bad which isn't a new complaint. I didn't get to speak to state or adult protective services, the DON told me that she "spoke to them on my behalf". The DON told me that she had fought with them and told them that I was overworked and it was her fault and she said she begged them to keep it off of my record. She said that the State people had my phone number and would be calling me but its a little late now. I have no job, my life goals and aspirations are on the rocks and I feel like someone has kicked me in the ribs.

Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
Chad

Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am as well.

Happy thoughts and prayers coming your way.

I agree whole-heartedly with Angie about counseling. Although it wasn't nursing (so I promise not to go into as much detail as I could), I was a store manager, working 80 hours a week for 40 hours pay to try and clean the store up from the LAST manager, and bring it to where it needed to be. He was constantly trying to get me to relocate so he could put one of his friends in my position at my store. When I got another job offer, he changed his tune and begged me to stay. I rejected the job offer, and two weeks later, I was fired (during double inventory--after store closed, they clocked out, i locked up and took them next door to get something to eat before we started. nothing wrong with that. i had done it before, as he had done with me before opening. he claimed it was "leaving the store unattended." his friend is now in my place, and two of the three employees i was with were promoted immediately).

Okay, the bottom point is, I did not leave my house for between 6-9 months. I would not take phone calls. I would not see my family unless I had to. I did not pay bills. I wish I had considered counseling.

I can only imagine how it is for you, because you have more than a job history at stake. But I've seen your posts and know how much you love what you do. Use that energy to push forward and fight. Good luck and keep us posted.:balloons:

Edit: Oh, and every raincloud DOES have a silver lining. I am now back in school, finishing my first degree and then going for accelerated. I would have NEVER done that without being fired. This could be your opportunity for moving on to a work enviromnent that threats you like they should. Okay, enough with the Mary Poppins, I know! :p

it amazes me how slimy people can be at times! I totally agree, every cloud does have a silver lining! you may not see it now but you will! gl peachy on your BSN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Chad I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you. An allegation of abuse is difficult to overcome in healthcare and all it takes is an accusation, without substance. I have seen experienced nurses' careers ruined simply on the word of a disgruntled patient or visitor, in spite of years of service. They have had to work in other capacities; unable to find a job in nursing.

All I can offer is:work hard to clear your name, if you are determined to stay in health care it will be essential. A nurse attorney can best assist you assist in your defense.

What you're dealing with resonates across this BB; it encompasses a horrendous truth about this profession. You are dealing with a system that delights in witch hunts and scapegoating. A firing is one thing, but this allegation of abuse will follow you forever unless you squelch it. And you may not be able to squelch it.

I wish you much luck...I was reported to my BNE vindictively once and I know how infuriating the process is ...particularly when the allegations are false. This incident will test you greatly and I wish you well. (((HUGS)))

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
Don't believe the DON speaking on your behalf.

Nurses, and particularly managers, will always point the finger away from themselves at all costs.

No DON would EVER say that it was his/her fault and that you were overworked and that they are to blame for it.

He/she is blowing smoke, nurses claim that they want to stick together, yet they scatter like cockroaches when a patient is killed, injured, or abuse accusations start flying.

You will find out who your true friends are when the state or board gets involved.

You need a lawyer. Your facility will stick it to you in the blink of an eye with no conscience.

The patient will always be the victim regardless (as will the facility) and you will always be the perpetrator.

Ditto! :stone (((((((((Chad...so sorry this happened to you)))))))) Sounds like you don't need to work at that place anyway if it was getting that anal about getting nurses in trouble. Take care, and don't let this keep you down.:balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am also sorry to hear this happening to you. And I agree with the ideas that you will get through this - you must do everything you can to clear your name and record, keep at it. And there will be other opportunities for you. These unexpected situations can really shock a person, but you will get through it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am definately getting on with my life. I am going to a high school prom tonight. If they do put this on my record with the nurse aide registry I have already chosen two lawyers that I am considering hiring. I am not going down without a big fight! Thank you guys I need all of the support I can get.:) I will survive.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

((((chad)))) our thoughts and prayers are all behind you! good for you for maintaining a normal life, you will need to feel "normal" during all of this!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thoughts and prayers are with you! There is an old Vegas saying that offers comfort - The odds are in your favor! It's time to move forward and find a better job and leave that one behind in the dust!

How was the Prom? Best wishes 2 U!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm so sorry to hear about this awful mess. I am so glad to hear that you are going to fight it!!!! Best of luck to you. My prayers are with you. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Prom was awesome, We took a limo, danced most of the night, took tons of pictures, and project prom was amazing. I definately got my cardio in last night. I am still a little down but I have final review all week and then finals next week. Just continue to keep my situation in your prayers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Prom was awesome, We took a limo, danced most of the night, took tons of pictures, and project prom was amazing. I definately got my cardio in last night. I am still a little down but I have final review all week and then finals next week. Just continue to keep my situation in your prayers.

Keep fighting Chad, document everything, and let us know how you go. Best wishes and hugs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i am really surprised that you didn't get to defend yourself before being fired. i could understand if they wanted to give you a leave of absence until the matter was investigated, but to outright fire you on one person's word is asinine. something's not right. i seriously doubt the don has your best interest at heart.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I want to see some of the pictures! :) My prom was so much fun! I wore a baby blue Cinderella dress ( I still have it!) I had the dress and no date so my friend , a junior took me. They told him he had to be a senior to get the tickets! He then explained his date was a senior, thank you very much! At dinner dressed in our prom clothes ,a man who was obviously drunk!

Congratulated us on our marriage! :chuckle

You remain in thoughts and prayers! Very Best wishes to you! :balloons:

Twinkie :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment