A few months ago I was unjustly fired after a resident died, after my shift, and after she had been released from the emergency room. She had trouble swallowing something at lunch and another nurse suctioned her.
I was accused of neglect and reported to the state.
I only found out about it because I got a letter back saying, and I quote, "There is insufficient credible evidence to support that you are responsible for the alleged incident." Thank goodness for my unit clerk, who refused to change her story after being requested to by the DON. She told him, "I told the truth, and I'm not changing it."
Luckily I was cleared, but if I had to be fighting right new - whew!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Those freaking animals!!! Did that other nurse have a grudge against you? It makes me wonder why else would something like this happen. I mean, the woman stated to you that she didn't need help...what else were you supposed to do? Especially if the patient was responsive...I don't see a reason to suction a responsive patient...do you?? Thank goodness for the unit clerk. Also, does 'DIL' mean daughter in law? Maybe she wanted to cover her family member and leave you out there. Did you get your letter of reference?
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Sue I am sorry that you had to go through what you did, but thank you for posting this. I, like many others, have always been told not to carry my own insurance. After reading through the last 9 pages, I called today and got my own. I have mine through State Farm. It is a rider policy on my homeowners. It is costing me $37 per year for $500,000 coverage. My question for all of you is this..... do you believe this is enough coverage?
I didn't know that State Farm Insurance had malpractice insurance for nurses. It seems to be cheaper to pay though them than NSO. I will inquire. I already use them for homeowner insurance. Can't say whether it is enough, but will inquire about that as well. Also, I want to know if you are cleared or charges, or are guilty, but retained or renewed your license, does the insurance for you go up? Anyone know?
Those freaking animals!!! Did that other nurse have a grudge against you? It makes me wonder why else would something like this happen. I mean, the woman stated to you that she didn't need help...what else were you supposed to do? Especially if the patient was responsive...I don't see a reason to suction a responsive patient...do you?? Thank goodness for the unit clerk. Also, does 'DIL' mean daughter in law? Maybe she wanted to cover her family member and leave you out there. Did you get your letter of reference?
Yup. DIL is daughter-in-law. I was always taught not to mess with a patent airway, and the other nurse had 20 years of experience to my four months and they were mad at me for putting HER through having to suction. Huh?
They didn't like me there. They were, frankly, unthinkingly cruel to some of the residents and I rocked the boat.
Anytime you need to secure an attorney insure that you inquire if they are "administrative" law vs criminal (you need administrative) and ask them if they have dealt with your state BON in the past. If so, in what situations, and what was thier success. If they dont have that experience directly with the BON, then seek another that does!! A complaint can be made against you at any time for any reason and done without the party disclosing who they are. Surprisingly it's not much different then the hotlines for criminals and given a number but with boards they dont even give you a number. If a complaint is made they must follow up. If you decide to fight it then you are the one responsible for ALL expenses including those ran up by the BON with attorneys and court reporters during the investigation. They dont pay for it YOU do. Keep that in mind for those that are fearful of getting Liability Insurance.
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
Those freaking animals!!! Did that other nurse have a grudge against you? It makes me wonder why else would something like this happen. I mean, the woman stated to you that she didn't need help...what else were you supposed to do? Especially if the patient was responsive...I don't see a reason to suction a responsive patient...do you?? Thank goodness for the unit clerk. Also, does 'DIL' mean daughter in law? Maybe she wanted to cover her family member and leave you out there. Did you get your letter of reference?