New Rn Fired For Bgl Issues

Specialties Geriatric

Published

i had problems with bgm during my shift. i recalibrated a couple of times to verify accuracy & changed batteries (which resulted in loss of recorded bgls). one particular pt. who bottoms out & has extremes of hyper/hypoglycemia consistently had a fall after a change from a private room to a semiprivate room without injury & occuring several hours after my shift. however, during falls assessment of vs, his bgl was 55; an ir was done, md notified, etc. however, on call was on duty and questioned why i gave 20u novolog/rather than 10u to the resident @hs. my handwriting was misinterpreted by oncoming lpn as 400 but i wrote 408 on mar (but i was accused of lying as a result-and bgm #s did not match 400 or 408 either due to bgm calibration issues; and i was subsequently fired for a med documentation error because state was in house and my 408 could not be verified against bgm. i have been a sterling rn til now & would take a lie detector test to affect that i gave appropriate insulin per bgl result. i'm devastated!! threats of being reported to state to boot! how do i salvage my new career & stellar reputation? i gained monumentous experience in last 3 months, how can i claim now without looking incompetent. am i doomed before i ever get started?

:banghead:

Specializes in GERIATRICS/CHRONIC ILLNESS.

Great news all...complaint filed with BON was found to be unsubstantiated and that I was not in violation of any standards or statutes...also, started another job (not my dream job), but I am beginning to believe that nursing home orientation and training is sub-standard period. However, I am looking for a RN position in the mean time where I can be appropriately precepted/trained and can learn the right way to do things. I am told I could fight for my position back, but why would I want to go back after that? I'll have to start a new thread on my experiences thus far as new nurse in LTC-its mind boggling. THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT EVERYONE - I WAS BESIDE MYSELF!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GERIATRICS/CHRONIC ILLNESS.

Now that is info I am so glad you mentioned - THANK YOU! Its true too, even for me. I had to ask and clarify the difference between Novolin and Novolog myself. A nurse working there for 40 years didn't know the difference. We called a pharmacist to clarify it. But I don't know what you know, I'll remember your words the rest of my career. If you read on, complaint was unsubstantiated and closed. I am so relieved. Regards

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in A little of this & a little of that.
:yeah: I am so happy for you!!! Not that long ago LTC's gave 6 week orientation to new grads. That doesn't seem to be so anymore. You will learn more when you find a hospital that will give you a good preceptorship. Your career is just starting and you have a long time to learn. I'm glad to hear you got out of that first place. Good Luck always. :balloons:
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nearly all.

I'm so happy to be able to say "I told you so!":cheers:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

CONGRATULATIONS !!! I know this is a huge burden lifted. It's time to celebrate!:beer:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

Great News!!! They should be ashamed of themselves and apologize!!! - I am so relieved for you, also I am sorry that you had to go through this,

Nursing (even in LTC ) isn't always like that- if you decide to come live in Israel- I'd hire you and orient you properly!!! (Just yesterday- my nurses commented how a strong orientation gave them the foundation to great work!!!) CELEBRATE- you deserve it!!! (BTW do they reimburse you for your legal fees and suffering during this period?)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am so very very pleased for you. Nontheless, what a heartache you had to endure. Even though LTC places are certainly not all the same, I do not believe it is a place for newer grads to work, for many reasons. Again, as I posted before I hope you try to go for a hospital with a very decent orientation and preceptorship. I really am saddened by stories,especially of new nurses, who have tried so very hard to get through school and are then slammed by a broken system. Again, congrats to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GERIATRICS/CHRONIC ILLNESS.

no reimbursement, but I hear they want me back. I'd have to pursue through legal means to get back pay. No legal fees as I have but didn't need it; as the BON threw it out during screening process seeing it was bogus!! If I ever get the opportunity to visit Israel I'll have to contact you for a tour of your facility and see how its done in your country. Blessings all!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi i am so sad to write this ... i got fired yesterday that was my 3rd day in the unit i have 3 months orientation period .. evryday i used to ask my preceptor i should i do to improve she was telling only one thing time mgt .. Is this the way to fire an orientee. the reson is that one patient thought i am un safe to provide care b coz i pricked her 2 times to take bgl and i exposed her abdomen to check her bowel mvmts .. i am devastated ..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
Hi i am so sad to write this ... i got fired yesterday that was my 3rd day in the unit i have 3 months orientation period .. evryday i used to ask my preceptor i should i do to improve she was telling only one thing time mgt .. Is this the way to fire an orientee. the reson is that one patient thought i am un safe to provide care b coz i pricked her 2 times to take bgl and i exposed her abdomen to check her bowel mvmts .. i am devastated ..

Time management gets better with time, I am sorry about the unfair complaint- it is hard to build confidence and that takes time and experience, I hope you find a better job- have patience with yourself. Unfortunately most patients can smell a new nurse and look for mistakes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Just a comment-

When I was a new nurse and worked in a hospital. I was told I would have 3 months of orientation. I had 3 hours on the IV pump they used and was sent to the floor for the rest of my orientation with 'a wonderful preceptor who has worked here for 25 years.' I got to the floor only to find that the wonderful preceptor was sick. The supervisor strolled over to me and said "well, you're in charge." I told her it was my first time on the floors and she said, 'You're the one with RN after her name...deal with it" and she walked away. I dealt with it fine because I had been well prepared in my hospital based school....

Fast forward...now I'm a DNS at a SNF. All new grads get 4-6 weeks of orientation...classroom and on the units. If someone has only ever worked in a hospital or has taken more than a few years off from nursing, we consider them new grads and they get the long orientation as well. We end up with better nurses and less turnover.

Good luck with your new job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
Just a comment-

...now I'm a DNS at a SNF. All new grads get 4-6 weeks of orientation...classroom and on the units. If someone has only ever worked in a hospital or has taken more than a few years off from nursing, we consider them new grads and they get the long orientation as well. We end up with better nurses and less turnover.

Good luck with your new job.

Just curious- how many beds in your SNF- because at my SNF- of 200 beds- we cant afford to give a 6 week orientation where you schedule the new nurse for 6 weeks work above the regular allotment of nurses? or does she works on a unit but is considered new and requiring instruction (but takes the place of a regular nurse) My place couldn't afford that- we are lucky to get adm to allow 1 or 2 weeks for a new nurse to work above the normal allotment, and then we continue for 4 weeks to observe closely . However I (as ADON) give one to one instruction during that time and observe, instruct and supervise her work until we feel she can manage alone. We have tremendous success with our new nurses and haven't had to fire any. They always thank us for the support as most SNF's here don't give that much- its sink or swim. Unfortunately many nurses then lean on and learn from the nurses aides on the unit who talk like they own the joint and know everything (they don't!!!).. I'd rather they get used to getting info directly from me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment