PLEASE HELP!

[sharebear2780]

First off, nurses need an advocate. Someone to protect them...from the Board! The Board honestly does not care about the nurses that work under their standards and conditions.

I have been an LVN since 2010. I am good at what I do and actually love what I do! Two years ago, I made a mistake and have been punished by the Board. Granted, it's only a reprimand with stipulations that will last only a year, but how in the world will I ever find a job that is willing to work with me? My reputation is ruined and my career is shattered because the Board chose to not listen to me...they did however, listen to my lawyer.

I will abide by the stipulations because I have to. But, I also do not feel it's right that this mark will never be removed against and that is public knowledge. So, I am wondering if anyone out there has been disciplined...how hard is it to return to the workplace? I'm not on T-PAP, though, I've heard that is worse.

Will any employer be willing to give me a second chance?

[sweetdreame, BSN, RN]

The mission of the board is not to serve you, it is to protect the citizens of the state by ensuring that you are competent and safe to render care. I'm not sure what you mean by "the board chose not to listen to me". Are you saying you were wrongly accused? You admit to making a "mistake". Was this mistake a practice error, or did it involve something more criminal (narcotics, etc.)?

Additionally, you mention poor working conditions. The board has procedures you are to follow to protect your patients in those cases. If you stayed in a situation you know was unsafe for your patients, that is on you.

I'm sorry to sound harsh, but that is just the truth. I am sorry you are going through this. It sounds like a really difficult situation.

Unfortunately, the board has no responsibility to you. It is your responsibility to prove yourself worthy of a license.

Being a nurse is not a right, but a privilege.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

It's up to YOU to protect yourself from the board. They are there to protect the patient, we as nurses have to toe the line and follow the laws they set forth. You admit that you didn't do this, how can you be mad at the governing body of the profession that you chose?

There are MANY employers that give nurses with a disciplinary action against them a chance to prove themselves, although many times it will depend on the severity of the infraction. I wish you luck in becoming one of those success stories!