Please help me, I'm in trouble.

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello. I have been a nurse for about eight years. I have been employeed in a skilled rehab unit for about five years. This past weekend I made a serious med error. I gave a resident another residents medication. I administered oxycontin 20 Mg instead of the ordered oxycodone 10 '=: This was realized at change of shift. As soon as I realized the error I assessed the ot and contacted the doctor as well as told the nurse assuming care of this pt. I told my supervisor that I had made a med error and she said make sure you call the MD. I did not go into details as it wa already two hours past the end of my shift, and you do get written up for being late out. Not to mention that I had twice as many patients as I should have due to staffing problems. Later that same night the supervisor calls me for clarification. I did not fill out the proper paper work. More importantly I wrote in the drug manifest "Wasted" To adjust the count from the pt that I took the meds from. After I wrote that I thought well its not actually wasted so I documented beside my signature "Given to wrong patient" In a very small space. Well long story short a few days later my DON questioned me statng that I falsified the document, I was being terminated and reported to theboard. I am in complete shock.. she said it looked like a cover up. But remember I told the other nurse and called the doctor and no harm came to the patient...thank god. Now im out of a job, will face the board and I don't know how to get a job after being fired. Please please help me.

Specializes in med-surg.

Technically it is a waste to the patient account. waste in the term it was not used for the intended purpose meaning the patient. But the thing about nursing someone can decide what is a big deal and what is not. First of all do not panic. There are lot of mistake being made because we are overloaded but no one care. the honest caring nurse like you and i are being made example of. The truth will set you free. You did the right thing and the board will see that. I doubt that you will loose your license. Keep your head high.live and learn

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I wish that there were some kind of fund that all of us members here could contribute to for nurses in your position. I think that someone already suggested that.

Any staff members online now that can give some feedback regarding an emergency fund that we can start?

I would gladly contribute.

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It would be nice if a nurses' assistance fund could be operated out of this web site, but it would require a lot of work and rules for running such an entity might be stringent. It would be good to have a nonjudgmental place to go for financial help when one does not have their own resources.

That would be nice. I think many would contribute. And even if people gave a few bucks here and there as they could it would add up rather quickly.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
I would gladly contribute.

I think that a lot of us would. I realize that there are some serious legal hoops to jump through, but maybe we can figure out how to set up a fund.

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Beans and rice. No snack foods or junk foods. Amazing what can be saved on groceries when you go into survival mode.

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I think that a lot of us would. I realize that there are some serious legal hoops to jump through, but maybe we can figure out how to set up a fund.

If we could get Brian to agree, maybe this would be a good project for some of the admins who can devote a little time for it. I would personally like to contribute to a loan fund that I know I would be eligible for myself. If the money is placed in an interest bearing account, then the interest could accumulate and add to the fund. I think this is an idea that has found its time at Allnurses. :heartbeat

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I wish that there were some kind of fund that all of us members here could contribute to for nurses in your position. I think that someone already suggested that.

Any staff members online now that can give some feedback regarding an emergency fund that we can start?

I think that a lot of us would. I realize that there are some serious legal hoops to jump through, but maybe we can figure out how to set up a fund.

If we could get Brian to agree, maybe this would be a good project for some of the admins who can devote a little time for it. I would personally like to contribute to a loan fund that I know I would be eligible for myself. If the money is placed in an interest bearing account, then the interest could accumulate and add to the fund. I think this is an idea that has found its time at Allnurses. :heartbeat

I made a donation to the Nurse's House when I initially read about it, just because I like the idea of nurses helping nurses and they seemed to have a solid process in place with criteria, eligibility etc and administering the program.

By no means would it be a small commitment on the part of AN, but I would definitely support something similar administerd by them. Sadly, in today's environment, the need is more prevalent.

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You guys are amazing and kind people on the board. I am so touched by the kindness shown towards me. I am truly amazed for everyones kind words, faith in me, compassion etc. I can't say enough how each of you have touched my life and have helped me.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Beans and rice. No snack foods or junk foods. Amazing what can be saved on groceries when you go into survival mode.

When raising my 2 girls alone w/o child support (ex refused to pay) I found that since I was home, I taught myself how to cook everything from scratch. Fresh veggies, bread (per pound flour & yeast are cheaper than bought bread), home-made donuts, cakes, cookies, full meals. Leftovers turned into new meals not just reheated. Saved a ton of cash this way, and I found out I really love cooking! Going w/o all the junk food did wonders for my girls (both ADD).

I have also made the same mistake, no damage to the patient, contacted the DR, DON, Family, my DON handled it much better, I was written up and re-educated. Hugs to you! You will be fine, the BON will see you did all you could to rectify the situation and didn't try to cover it up.

If we ever get a program running to help Nurses in trouble... Count me in!

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There are tons of couponing websites out there, but the two easiest are couponmom.com and hotcouponworld.com...hot coupon world has tons of areas on saving not just for groceries.

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Awesome, sadly my dang ole printer has died! Buti will find a way to make it happen..thank you.

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When raising my 2 girls alone w/o child support (ex refused to pay) I found that since I was home, I taught myself how to cook everything from scratch. Fresh veggies, bread (per pound flour & yeast are cheaper than bought bread), home-made donuts, cakes, cookies, full meals. Leftovers turned into new meals not just reheated. Saved a ton of cash this way, and I found out I really love cooking! Going w/o all the junk food did wonders for my girls (both ADD).

I have also made the same mistake, no damage to the patient, contacted the DR, DON, Family, my DON handled it much better, I was written up and re-educated. Hugs to you! You will be fine, the BON will see you did all you could to rectify the situation and didn't try to cover it up.

If we ever get a program running to help Nurses in trouble... Count me in!

Funny u mention taxes, my ex claimed our children despite not seeing them let alon paying a cent towards them. Bc he claimed them, I had to file my taxes my hand vs electronically and as a result im being audited...go. figure

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