New NP Reported As RN From Previous Employer

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Specializes in NP.

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I need some help. I have been a nurse for over 13 years in ICU. During, we had no policy or procedures to follow. I was reported to the boards for some stupid BS and set up by the management, nothing drug-related. I was in school for my NP which I completed and passed my boards in January. However, I never applied for my license because my RN license is still under investigation for those allegations from my previous employer.  I am currently working and have been all this time as a nurse. My license is still active and doesn't have anything on it, only says formal complaint applied. I have been waiting for this to resolve before I apply for my NP license, but it has been too long. My question is should I apply for my NP license or wait until this resolves? It has been over 2 years that I have been waiting to be resolved.  I do have a lawyer and I am taking it to the hearing. Is there anyone in a similar situation as me out there, please? I am devastated. Would anyone ever hire me as NP if I end up getting anything on my RN license such as probation? Please help. Thank you.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

What does your attorney advise?

Specializes in NP.

He didn't know the answer, and even BON would not give me a clear answer. 

Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

BON's are not 'for' nurses, they are to protect the public from nurses. They don't seem to be there to help you through this. I think it totally sucks that the Boards Of Nursing doesn't want to help in any way except to put nurses through a wringer. 

Wish I had good advice, but I don't. Sorry you have had to go through this. I pray it all works out for you, and soon!

Specializes in NP.

Thank you for your reply and kind words. Yes, I agree with you. I always thought the Board of Nursing is there for nurses too not only for the public. However, going through all my situations, I figured they are more to destroy the nurses. This has been the most challenging time of my life, and would not wish anyone ever to go through this pain. I only can pray to God that all goes well.

Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, Geriatrics, home infusion.

Hello OP,

I feel for you, and how difficult your situation is. If I understood you correctly your RN license has been under investigation with no formal findings for over 2 years? This hasn't placed any restrictions on your ability to work as an RN? If it hasn't then, unless your attorney advises against it; I would proceed with your life as if the investigation is without merit. Collect character letters from colleagues/ supervisors who think highly of you. Apply for your NP license and apply for NP positions. Have a simple, honest explanation ready if future employers ask what the formal complaint was and maybe an example of how you've grown/ improved since. 

Best of luck to you!

Specializes in NP.

Hi, thank you for your reply.  Yes, you understood me correctly. I have not had any restrictions yet, and I have been working as RN all this time. I do have multiple and multiple letters from my colleagues, managers, and my excellent yearly evaluations. I just don't know how the hearing will go now and would hate to have something on my license, especially my NP, that has nothing to do with this ? I am so depressed and not myself since this all happened. ? 

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I know this is so hard, believe me. I made a prescribing error when I'd been an APRN for 9 months. Took 7 years to settle the lawsuit which resulted in significant patient harm. To this day (almost 16 years later) I still relive the stress of those 7 years. My advice? Get some counseling so you can deal with the stress. I'm so sorry you are going thru this. 

Specializes in NP.

Thank you so much for your response. I am so sorry that you had to go through this situation, especially for that long. ?I have been going through counseling recently because I am going through so much stress, anxiety, and depression. This is devastating. I have never been under more stress in my life, and I have had a lot of stressful situations in my life. The BON, you would think, would somehow protect nurses or have an understanding, but no the BON is there to get nurses and take their licenses or punish them whenever they get a chance. Nursing shortage? Everyone is wondering why? Because so many nurses are leaving their profession and getting away from bedside care. Nurses are always the first ones to take the blame.

If I may ask, are you currently working as APRN? 

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Again I am sorry this is happening to you. Since the investigation has had no formal resolution you need to prepare for what comes next, because sooner or later that resolution will come and you must be prepared to defend your position.

1. Can you prove that the facility you worked at had no policies or procedures with regard.  Just because you never saw them doesn't mean they don't exist and the facility will like trot this pony out to prove they did indeed have P&P manual available for all to see. 

2. Since it's been years since the accusation is you need to be exactly sure of what happened. Your attorney can request a copy of the record and any write-up that went with it. Start by objectively writing down exerthing you remember about the incident then compare it to what you charted that day. 

When and if you are called to testify be aware that you only have to use three answers to direct questions. Yes, No and I don't recall. Do not elaborate unless your attorney tells you to. 

You can find and attornet at TAANA Executive Office - Home WWW.TANNA.ORG.

Hppy

 

 

Specializes in NP.

Thank you for your response and input. I have been dealing with this for so long, and it is not an easy journey. I will get through it ? 

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.
On 9/7/2022 at 10:51 PM, Gina-destroyed said:

Thank you so much for your response. I am so sorry that you had to go through this situation, especially for that long. ?I have been going through counseling recently because I am going through so much stress, anxiety, and depression. This is devastating. I have never been under more stress in my life, and I have had a lot of stressful situations in my life. The BON, you would think, would somehow protect nurses or have an understanding, but no the BON is there to get nurses and take their licenses or punish them whenever they get a chance. Nursing shortage? Everyone is wondering why? Because so many nurses are leaving their profession and getting away from bedside care. Nurses are always the first ones to take the blame.

If I may ask, are you currently working as APRN? 

Yes, in the end though the suit was settled and then of course, the settlement had to be reported to the BON. I was exceedingly fortunate to retain an excellent lawyer and did not get disciplined. Yes, I still work as APRN

 

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