Not sure I even want to be a nurse anymore...disillusioned

MedSurgeMess · Dec 5, 2009

OMG, babe, there isn't anything that I could say right now that would be adequate. Just {{{{HUGS}}}}.

DogWmn · Dec 5, 2009

I'm sorry your in burn out mode and I know all about that. I do hope you documented well as far as the narc thing goes. Do you have insurance, if so I'd contact them first.

On another note, for years I worked LTC and faced similar burn out and went from there to a Family Practice clinic, it was very rewarding - not great pay but that was off set by really good hours. Try doing something completly different for a while. Working in the outpatient world is a real change and yes the pay is not the greatest but might be worth it to you for a change, the environment is fast paced and for the most part cheerful something it sounds like you need right now.

Good luck.

ellakate · Dec 5, 2009

No suggestions, just support. This is something that I saw and would like to share with you.

"Take pride in the fact that you are a shepherd in a world where most people seek to reap the benefits of the slaughter. "

Although you are in a tough spot, your resignation was probably the best thing that you could do for your license. :specs:

caffeineRx · Dec 5, 2009

I might get some slack..but I would quit that job as soon as you can get through this process. No job in the WORLD, is worth that amount of stress and fraud. It is threatening your license and very well-being. Look into house visits, etc. A lot of options..maybe less pay...but I have a feeling you aren't going to care if you can even bring your stress down just 30%. Makes such a difference. God Bless

NurseKitten, MSN, RN · Dec 5, 2009

Do whatever you have to do to get an attorney. Do not go up against a Board of Nursing, I don't care from what state, alone.

Borrow it, beg it, do what you have to do. You worked too hard for your license to risk it on poor representation, because if it's stealing narcotics, then you're looking at possible criminal repercussions, not to mention the adminsitrative law side of the Board of Nursing.

You were smart to resign. You may also have legal recourse against the facility itself, and the nurse who accused you for slander and defamation of character.

Not an attorney, just a PO'ed nurse who can't stand it when people can't/won't take responsibility for their actions and want to pawn off their incompetence on others.

JamieLynn RN · Dec 5, 2009

awww:o...sorry that you are stuck in this spot. I found when I burned out of hospital and facility nursing I pursued home care nursing....and boy it was rewarding. I really enjoyed my job, and the stress that is taken off of dealing with meds, coworkers and administratiors is so uplifting. The only downside is that if you do it full time it can take a toll,,,planning your day the night before, calling patients in the eveing and hearing their whole life story....but again it renewed the feeling of why I became a nurse....I do casemanagement now for the state insurance for children,,,and although it can be stressful at times, it is very rewarding when you see that child of yours in the clinic and you were able to coordinate their care so they have what they need and are either maintaining or getting better and bigger....we just had our childrens christmas party yesterday and I was able to give out toys and this one little boy was in a wheelchair, very developmentally delayed....but HAPPY and the smile on his face when I gave him a soft plush puppy was priceless...and all the junk that I have endured being an RN made it worth it ....good luck and don't give up...you became a nurse for a reason

subee, MSN, CRNA · Dec 5, 2009

I have been working as an RN for 7 years mainly in geriatrics. My recent employment at a nursing home has been a nightmare of broken promises by administration regarding scheduling, benefits, increased ridiculous paperwork and now a co-worker and, I thought, a friend is under investigation for stealing narcotics and is trying to blame me to aquit herself. I was just starting to look into patient advocacy as I have seen too many times how the patient is NOT the priority in theses facilities. Money and saving their butts is all the admin care about. There must be quality facilities out there but I grow weary and discouraged. Healthcare is so corrupt - from insurance companies to pharmaceutical companies to MDs to admin, to nurses on down to aides - does anyone really care anymore? I am disgusted and scared.
I am not sure what to do or where to start in protecting myself legally - I guess finding a lawyer is a start but I resigned from my position over this so money is tight. Any suggestions? What other work could I find outside of nursing in the interim. I am seriously disillusioned.

I wouldn't worry too much about the accusations. The investigators have heard these stores repeatedly any anyone who works with addicts understand that they would blame their new puppy for their own bad behavior. Are you a member of your SNA? I would contact them for advice first.

magdalene111 · Dec 5, 2009

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement and support :loveya:

lisa0615 · Dec 6, 2009

pray and find any and all documentation to support your claim. This situation may be a blessing in disguise...I would get out of there.

magdalene111 · Dec 6, 2009

Yes...and part of the problem is that I know that my charting was not the best. We were so stressed there and I spent more time on patient care and used brevity when charting. It is really scary. I am in the process of trying to find a lawyer...and praying!!!!