Need feedback ASAP

[mkz_nurse]

So, my unit did an after hours drinks/burgers thing on Friday evening. I wasn't going to go but did. Had a good time. My nurse manager was there, too. No big deal. Everyone had a good time. I drank a beer and then one of the doctors bought a round of shots for everyone, we all had one.

Eventually went home, got up the next morning and noticed my schedule, as I was walking by the fridge that I'd been on call during that time, the night before. I felt like I was punched in the gut. I'd been drinking while _on call_. In front of about 40 coworkers and my nurse manager. Which I'm guessing she didn't remember it either. I had totally forgotten I was on call that evening. COMPLETELY forgot.

so, spent Saturday figuring I'm fired come Monday morning. Decided to man up and just go in Monday morning and say, "Hey, I forgot I was on call. I drank -- you were there. I figure this is a firing offense. Am I fired?" OK -- so that's the plan. I've made peace with it. To some degree, because it will most likely kill my shot at this specialty because I've not made a full year off-orientation in this specialty, yet. Getting fired is probably going to make getting a nursing job impossible, right? That's problems 1 and 2. I'm likely fired for drinking on call (right?) and my shot at future employment in my specialty with less than a year on board is severely threatened (right?)??

Here's problem #3: Can this go against my nursing license? Should I go talk to someone who could advocate for me? HR? Don't really trust them to have my best interest at heart. We don't have a nursing union -- what do I do? I'm utterly panicked right now, wondering if taking the high road and owning up to it proactively tomorrow is right, but since I work Tuesday, I don't want to be looking over my shoulder all day waiting for the axe to fall.

HELP!!

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

I would say nothing and carry on as usual. If they call you on it, well go from there.

No, they can't get your license.

[mkz_nurse]

Last week they walked someone out for testing positive for alcohol while at work. I'm worried that being "on call" is considered the same as being on the job and that it can go against my license.

Also, I'm figuring that owning up to it would look better than not ... it WILL be noticed and I felt that going in preemptively would look better than waiting to get called to the office. Also, I don't want to be walked out by the police (being fired) in front of my friends.

What is your logic for saying nothing?

[nortonplusRN]

You were not called in so there is no issue. If you were, then you had to tell them you were impaired and cannot come in. Then you will have a problem.

Chuck this to learning experience. Do not do it again when you are on call. You are human. Let it go. Learn from it.

[Farawyn]

Last week they walked someone out for testing positive for alcohol while at work. I'm worried that being "on call" is considered the same as being on the job and that it can go against my license.

Also, I'm figuring that owning up to it would look better than not ... it WILL be noticed and I felt that going in preemptively would look better than waiting to get called to the office. Also, I don't want to be walked out by the police (being fired) in front of my friends.

What is your logic for saying nothing?

I understand what you are saying. If you don't say anything, it may look devious, yes?

What is your relationship with your manager like?

If it's decent I would call her aside, truthfully tell her you didn't realize you were on call and apologize.

Having it hang over your head is so uuuugh.

I'm not locked in to this answer, but it's my first thought. I think it's a touchy situation all around.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Logically and ethically for me it boils down to "Don't poke the sleeping bear."

You didn't get called to come in while on the juice. No harm, no foul. Lucky turn this time for you.

If you had been called in, I would assume you would have told them you were unable to do so and stayed home. You would than get to take your lumps.

If you accept call pay for that time, that would change the ethics of the situation.

Good luck to you.

[MERRYWIDOW46]

You did not realize you were on call, it happens with how busy we are with work and home obligations. You did NOT get called in, I have taken call for more than 35 years, I would let sleeping dogs lie. You did not work while drinking. You are fine. Relax and forget about that night. However, NEVER go out again and drink without being 1000% certain you are NOT On-call!

[canigraduate]

Ethically, you should tell your manager. If you have a decent relationship, maybe you could disclose and not get burned.

Personally, I wouldn't. No harm, no foul. But I would never drink with the group again, because I'd be too darn paranoid. I'd probably never, ever drink until I had checked my schedule, either.

I hope it works out for you. Be prepared to deal with the consequences, though, including being reported to the BON.