ON PROBATION

[sissykim]

I am a nurse of 20+ years and half of that was spent in anLTAC. I decided to go to school full time.

With two weeks to go I was teminated and charged with diversion. I should have seen it coming, and perhaps I did. I was constantly being written up for small mistakes, one not signing the first name to the MAR, speaking to family members, giving advice, another nurse took a fent patch off a client less then 12hours after I placed it on....The last straw was a drug seeking client asked for pain meds and I offered him tylenol. He through the tylenol at me as I was leaving the room and began to curse at me. The nurse in the room ask that I not go back because the man was very angry. I then call to tell this to the supervisor who did not address the issue. She later told a nurse manager. The manager came to the floor and investigated the incedent. Long story short...I was ask to leave that day. Two days later I was terminated. I was reported to the BON for diversion. I never was asked to drug test, I never diverted, ever...The board of course investigated and found discrepencies in my documentation. I wanted to fight with an attorney but could not afford one. I accepted to go on probation because I was told that I would be allowed to practice as a NP. I signed the consent agreement and mailed it back. Now they tell me I can not practice until I have had a drug test and be seen by an addictionologist. My question...did I sign my rights away? Can I get an attorney at this point?

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Let this be an example. Have a lawyer look over things before you sign.. Also document, document, document. I am sorry that the OP is going through this. Best of luck!

[sissykim]

Thank you thank you and thanks again. I don't know what I was thinking. At the time this culminated my mother dropped dead caring for my terminally ill brother who died days later. I just signed. With a few weeks of clearity, I am mad as can be. I could just cry.