SeeThruFaded

I guess it just started last year. Some states only run CORI and/or Adam Walsh checks instead of fingerprint scans. I'm not sure if background checks are done when you renew your license or just upon initial application. If you have ever been visited by CPS, even if the allegations were false, you were innocent and the CPS workers said it was all set, I would recommend running an Adam Walsh check on yourself. It would have saved me a lot of grief.

Hi NurseBlaq, thank you for your advice. I've been wondering if I should speak to an attorney even though I really can't afford one right now. But I also can't afford to not get my license. From my point of view, I can't imagine them not issuing my license over this, especially when reading the reports, it's clear that my kids were not neglected (I wish I could send PMs because I feel it's unwise to get too specific in a public forum). But I also don't want to go into this being naive and end up getting a horrible surprise. Having to involve my work in this is really upsetting to me. All along, I've felt like even if I don't get my license, I'm happy at my job and feel really appreciated and valued there. The license thing was kind of compartmentalized. Now I'm faced with bringing this mess into my job. Maybe I'm making too big a deal over it, but it just doesn't sit well with me. It's occurred to me to ask the director of my nursing program for copies of my recommendation letters to use instead, but I'm not sure if she would do that or if the Board would accept that. I think that before I do anything else, I'm going to take your wise advice and at least consult with an attorney. Thanks again for your reply, NurseBlaq.

That's great that you got your statement and paperwork to them already. I feel like your good work history as an LPN will really help you. I hope it goes faster than you think! I know the waiting is so draining. So I just found out that I need to send character references (preferably from my job) and a work performance review. Did you need to do this? I'm finding the thought of talking to my employers about this pretty humiliating. I know I didn't do anything wrong but still. Also, I always thought that being on the CPS registry makes one ineligible to work with any vulnerable populations. I guess not since we both do, but I'm having these visions of being told I can't work there anymore. I love my job so that would be awful. I'm really grateful to be able to "talk" to you about this- it helps not to feel completely alone in this situation!

Hi RNHopes, Thanks so much! I can't send private messages yet- hopefully soon I'll be able to. I was doing UWorld for a while, but after renewing twice it was getting too expensive. I've heard Saunders is great- I might check out the LPN version. Have you heard anything yet? I haven't- it sure is a long process. I did some research and the BON only meets once a month, on the second Wed of the month. So that explains why it takes a while. Oh well. Some days I feel so upset about it and wish I never even bothered going to school, and other days I'm sure that it will be fine. Hope you're doing well and that we'll both get good news soon ?.

Hi RNHopes, I'm glad that you have a helpful investigator too. It is encouraging- I felt better after I was contacted because they really do look at the case and circumstances. I think you'll be fine too- you did nothing wrong. I need to start studying again too- lost motivation for a while. But focusing on the goal and keeping up with studying is the best thing either of us can do. Keep me posted!

RNHopes, I'm hoping you got the letter by now. I received a letter that my case is under investigation. I sent in my statement- I have no paperwork since it's been almost two decades. My investigator seems very efficient and responded to my email quickly, so I'm grateful for that. I just don't know what the timeline is for this. It's so stressful not knowing what will happen or how long it will take. And the $$ thing is hard too- my student loans will be due in a couple months which would be no problem if I was making a nurse's salary, but I'm not. I hope you're still checking in here, RNHopes. Keeping you in my thoughts!

Hi RNHopes, Thanks for your reply! I was just sitting around obsessing about this and saw you had replied. I'm sorry you are still waiting too.. It's just torturous how long the BON takes to reply. I wouldn't even had known what happened if I hadn't called pcshq. I've been so depressed about this, haven't really been studying because there's not much point until I hear back. It's very hard to find any info on situations like ours. There's a lot about having CPS cases expunged, but since neither of us knew there was a problem until the BON found it, I don't think it would help right now. I tend to think that in your situation, having your LPN license for so long would be a good thing. You've already proven to be a good safe nurse. But I can also understand how you would be stressed about them going after that too- it's the unknown that is so scary. Not knowing how they are going to view everything. I'm also finding it so insulting and humiliating knowing that anyone out there is thinking that I neglected my kids (although I know they don't even know "me", I'm just another file to the people reviewing this). I'll keep you posted if I hear anything. I hope you get your ATT soon! I check my email a million times a day and feel discouraged every time I see nothing.

Hi RNHopes, I hope you read this since you've gotten no replies- we can't be the only ones in this boat though! First if all, I'm very sorry that your ex abused your baby- terrible thing for you and your daughter to go through. But you did the right thing and got rid of him- all you can do is move on, which you have done. I'm in a similar situation except I was unaware that the neglect claims were "substantiated". A neighbor called CPS on me accusing me of child neglect and CPS came out twice. First time the house was a mess- worst day they could have shown up, we had JUST returned from camping so we were all looking rather grubby and the house was a mess. Second time they showed up on a normal day, said all is fine and they would close the case. Thinking of it now, that means they must have opened a case to begin with. It was 18 years ago so my memories are vague- I wish I could find some paperwork on it. I also worked with a vulnerable population and have had backround checks done every year, including a Livescan. Nothing ever showed up... until I applied for the NCLEX PN and heard nothing for over a month. Finally I got pcshq on the phone and they told me "something" came up on the CPS check. That is the only thing I can think of, so it must be that. I'm getting the Adam Walsh form notarized so I can get a copy of my records. They must look at it on a case by case basis- otherwise they would have denied us just on the basis of showing up on the registry. It seems to me that we should both be cleared since neither of us abused or neglected our kids, but I don't trust the system. I don't know how they said my case was substantiated- could they have lied? Although they would then have to explain why they only came out twice. It's very frightening and not knowing how long it will take is awful. I hope that you hear from the BON soon and get your ATT. Please post updates or PM me- I could not PM you since my account is new. Good luck!

I'm hoping someone has some advice or experience with this because I'm really discouraged. After waiting several weeks for my ATT, I contacted pcshq and was told that something had shown up on my Adam Walsh CPS background check and that was why the BON hadn't approved my application. I was really stunned because I had no idea I was on the CPS Registry. I've worked in health care for years and never had a problem with background checks, and some of my jobs have been home care and working with vulnerable populations, which I thought required a CPS check. My children are grown now, but when they were little someone called CPS on me with false neglect allegations. They visited me a couple times and that was that. I wasn't neglecting my kids, I thought that was clear to them, and I never got notice of anything. Come to find out more that apparently CPS recorded the case as supported. Has anyone had any experience with something like this? How did it turn out and any advice for me? Thanks.

AmoLucia, yeah the word "harass" wasn't a good choice of words- sounded harsher than I meant it to. I didn't mean to imply that any supervisor that calls staff to ask them to work is wrong to do so or that it's somehow optional for them. And of course many supervisors are very professional in the way they ask. I know it's part of the job and I wouldn't want to have to do it! Usually, both supervisors and staff/nurses are working under the constraints and budget of the administration. I think some places would like to have more staff but simply can't get or hold onto them. The other day when I replied happened to be a day when I had gotten asked a few days in a row to cover shifts although I said I'm not able to pick up extra shifts at this point in my life. It gets frustrating. I think that staff that call out because they see that there is adequate coverage are kinda ruining it for everyone. Although I do see how that could happen if it's impossible to plan time off- I guess ppl just take opportunities as they see them. That's not something I could do- I may not cover shortages but at least I don't create them.

It sounds like you are being asked to shame patients who are already emotionally fragile. Fortunately, you have the compassion and common sense to see that it's wrong. I would be looking for a new job. If the ppl in charge are trying to teach nurses to humiliate patients into not being incontinent, they are either very ignorant or enjoy degrading others. Not allowing pts to change or shower after incontinence episodes may contribute to skin breakdown as well as being terrible for their self-esteem. Also, are these all geriatric psych pts? Seems odd that there is so much incontinence going on- what are their meds like? With mgmt like that, I wonder if they are using meds as chemical restraints rather than therapeutic benefit. As for the pts feeling embarrassed, I agree with Happy that your outlook and attitude can be a factor. It gets easier with time- I can chat about the weather with a naked pt while cleaning their poop off the floor like we're sitting there having a cup of tea LOL.

Amanda, my advice is the same that everyone else has given. Don't take the calls, try not to feel guilty because it's not your problem. Your responsibility is to show up for your shifts and give good care while you are there. That's it. My place does the same thing. Constantly short-staffed, constantly calling the same staff over and over. Unfortunately, many staff say yes out of guilt/inability to say no. Then they talk any how exhausted they are and how the supervisors really put one the pressure until they say yes. I tell them that is exactly why they keep getting called and why our place doesn't hire more staff. Being perpetually short works for them because they have supervisors who are willing to continually harass staff on their time off, and staff that fall for it. They have sometimes text me since I never pick up the phone and I either ignore them or say the same thing suggested here- I have plans. I've had moments when almost give in because I'm feeling helpful but I just wait a few moments and the feeling passes ?.