lzink

In response to cpl_dvldog, that is why one must begin with the EEOC. The EEOC first determines if you may have an action and give you the go ahead to take the action to the next step. fltnrse2

I feel like I am a very strong women. However recently I had to take a refresher course after a lengthy health related problems. I've been a nurse for 40 years and made my dream come true by becoming a flight nurse. Now I am given a rn with 2 years of experience as my preceptor! She was so vicious, demanding and condesending that in her opinion I should be dropped from the course and I was. I am still fighting for reinstatement. I don't understand this type of behavior, however as long as it is tolerated it will continue. If there is a difference in the balance of power they call it bullying. I had another nurse throw an object at my head, and was dressed down by the clinical nurse supervisor because I didn't answer one of only two phone lines that ring into the unit. It was a total nightmare. I think there is a fair amount of "jelousy". The only thing that has worked for me in the past is to ignore this behavior. If there lives at work is the only area in thier lives they feel in control that should tell you that thier home life probably sucks. I am filling a complaint with the BON along with a couple of articles online and in the local newspaper. No one should feel intimadated, lied on, etc. any where, but it seem more agreous among nurses, those who make thier living out of "caring"! After I get reinstated, then I have a liable and slander law suits I can file. It seems to me looking back on the situation there are plenty of nurses but not enough supervision. I mean if you can charge a Tele unit, have a patient load and be a preceptor someone is going to come out on the short end of the stick, and this nurse had no problem telling anyone who would listen that she was precepting me so she could make her mortage payment! There are two quotes that come to mind, one it ain't over till the fat lady sings, and that revenge is a meal best served cold. I have a long standing aquaintance who is a nurse attorney on my BON, I email her sometimes just to vent my frustrations and feelings. With all do respect, the bully will be wondering how to make her mortage payments when or if her license is effected. So you see she may "think she bad" but I think it's more important to be smart. Nurses like I have sescribed in my opinion have no place in Nursing. I would also like to see a NO TOLERANCE policy for rude, or disrepectful behavior to our collouges and God forbid this behavior spills over into the patient care area's. So I really do understand a good deal of what your feeling, but with time these feelings will pass. Take the high road, be the consumate professional, your patients need everything you can give them, so don't waste your time on co-workers who sound like they would suck the life right out of you if you let them. I don't hav my spell check up and running so forgive my typo's....Hold your hear up, be an example that other nurses look up to, respect you, but I hope you will get to a place that you will not tolerate this unprofessional conduct. In my opinion it only takes one time for this type of human being to get thier clock cleaned, then they leave you alone, they move on looking for vunerabilitys in another nurse. Just take it to the nurses lounge or have a meeting with the supervisor present. Don'tlet em get you down! HAPPY NEW YEAR! FLTNRSE2

Dear FNP v ANP, Access your states BON. You need to talk to a "Practice Specialists". That is her job to answer questions such as the one you posted. FLTNRSE2

LVNBSN2, Sounds like "retailation" to me. If this happened recently I would ask for a document stating exactly WHY you were fired. The "State" purpose is to protect the public, they arn't there for you. In my opinion (after you get a copy of your employment records, and in some states by law they have to give you a copy) I would go online and pull up the information about the EEOC. Federal law clearly frowns on retailtory actions. If the EEOC agrees with you ahd you have some evidence to support it, then you can sue the hospital. FLTNRSE2

And therein lies the problem. I was surprized at how other nurses rise to defend this doc. If she is right or wrong is up to the Board of Healing Arts. The physicians "rational" is not the point. If he/she is prescribing an unsafe amount of narcotics the rational is irrelvant. If the BHA agrees no harm, that's thier decision and visa vera. Again, if you look at your NPA as a licensed professional you have a "professional obligation" to report, not judge, just report the facts. This nurse has "asked questions" and had "conversations" with this doc and what happened......nothing. It takes guts to report a physician, but if you play it safe as it sounds like many other nurses have and someone dies, don't think for a minute the defense attornies won't bring out the fact that as a nurse you knew better and did nothing about it. This subject matter could use some fresh air...if this doc is unscrupulous he/she counts on you not reporting the facts that you have witnessed. He/she is counting on you to be too intimadated by his/her creditionals, and yes the "power" of his/her position. Now everyone should understand why physicians carry mal-practice insurance and why it cost an arm and a leg. No pun intended. I also agree that if you go forward doing what you think is the right thing to do it's not going to be easy on you, but you may save the life of an unsuspecting patient. I would like to point out that the DEA isn't counting the number of pills Dr. X prescribes because they are too busy enforcing our border etc. Ask any pharmacists, there isn't a computer program that ties a physicians script writting habits together, in part thanks to HIPPA. Well I think I'm going to drop this hot potatoe for another day. And for all of the health care providers who "ran" to defend the actions of this doc, ask yourselves why, what is your rational for defending a doc you don't even know? As a nurse you will come to your own conclusion according to your conscience (and the Law) who know's you might save not only a patient, but in the end play an important factor in saving a Physicians' life because he sought treatment with the encouragement of the BHA instead of having sanctions against his license. FLTNRSE2

I would contact the Board of Healing Arts in your State. You might contact the DEA to see what you can learn.

Check out Flightweb on the internet. Most jobs are located in the desert southwest. Look at Native American Air, Phoenix, Good Samaritan hospitals also Phoenix (they had the first flight program in the country. You might check Indian Health Services they cover Window Rock, Ship Rock, Chinle. Suncare Air, Yuma, Az. Presbyterian in Lubbock, Tx has an awesome operation. UMC (University Medical Center) Las Vegas. DES (Department emergency Services) in Arizona. Well that should keep you busy for a while. Good Luck! Fltnrse

Dear Jamie, I agree that your focus of addiction and recovey should always come first. The second thing is how long was you license suspended, that will make a difference. Additionally I do not know of any RN-BSN who would except you. Even if you found a bridge LPN-RN you would have to have a vailed license. What you can do however is take all of the other courses with exception to those pertaining to nursing. Then when you get reinstated all you will need are the nursing core cirruculums I don't know how long ago this event happened, but I get the distince feeling that you are glossing over the the facts and emotions. It is my opinion that if you do not have substantial sobriety the likly hood of a relaspse is very likely. I'm sorry that I couldn't have better news for you, but first things first! Take it easy....and best of luck to you in your future endevors. I know if you work the program, have a sponsor and keep clean you may reach you goals! Have faith! Sincerely, Linda

I am going for reinstatement, this is what I found out. An Rn Investigator will review my documents, she will then talk to the chair of the reinstatement committee (who is an LPN, nothing against LPN's I was one for twenty years) by phone this one person has two choices. One to reinstate my license or forward my case onto the full board for a decision. How do you like those apples?

Dear Karl, I read your post in regards to whom the bon is accountable to. If you read my last post this is a huge concern to me. What other government entity do you know of that is allowed to operate with little or no transparency or accountability? Where does the "freedom of information act" fit in here? Yet the bon has no problem publishing my name, the status of my license, and the details of the "Findings of Fact" on the internet! Does anyone other than myself have a problem with this?

Dear All Over Again, I have done it both ways with and without an attorney. Twice the attorney made thousands of dollars and I lost anyway, once the attorney made thousands of dollars and I got my license. I'm getting ready to go around one more time for reinstatement. I paid and attorney thousands of dollars and he used to represent the bon, he made two "errors" on my application on the first page, for this he made money, when I made a mistake I was charged with "fraud." Go figure. So I fired him, put my faith in God. Here is my most profound issue with the bon. THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY!!!!! I am not aware of any legal system that is allowed to function without the person being discussed cannot be present. A convicted felon is allowed to attend his/her parole hearing! However, in some instances where the nurse cannot see the evidence, or attend a meeting his/her lawyer can!!!! Does that make sense to anyone? How does one defend oneself? A common criminal can be appointed an attorney by the courts and is allowed "discovery", depositions can be taken, he/she has the right to cross examine his/her accuser, and can present evidence. Every state is different, but in one state I was given 5 minutes to present any evidence I had to the bon. I had a handwritten letter from another RN stating how we disposed of shattered vials (3) of demerol or MSO4 can't remember. She and I disposed of these shattered vials just as nurses do all over the country thousands of times a day......the bon NEVER contacted her. Here is how I see things now...if they want you, their gonna get you. As long as the bon's are allowed to operate without impunity the same injustices are going to occur and reoccur. And while I'm venting a little here, I am also up to here with being disrespected in letters and emails from the bon. I would like to close this letter to you by saying that it is your sobriety that is most important at all times. Talk to your sponsor, go to meetings and vent these frustrations you have, and quite rightly so...don't let them get you down, tomorrow is another day and who knows what good the day might have in store for you. I understand you, and I feel for you, you are not alone. Linda

Right on Jack Farmer! lzink

I couldn't agree with you more Karl...Linda

Dear easlel, I would like to discourage you from contacting the state board of nursing for any reason once your in their sites Lord help you. Your State Nurses Association can give you the same information without having to disclose any personal information. As far as the EAP I just want you to keep one thing in mind...they work for the hospital......... Linda

If your supervisor is investigating, she may well report the incident to the board. My personal opinion is this. I self reported and the board couldn't jerk my license fast enough. If this gets turned over to the state board they will also contact your new job. None of this changes the reality to this question. Did or did you not divert drugs? If you answer this question yes, then I would contact your state nurses association for information on what if any programs are available for treatment. I would not be calling the board to ask any questions. With this approach here are the advantages I see. One, you will receive treatment and in doing so this would put you one step ahead of the board. Rather your supervisor didn't catch the "specific" drug you were diverting, isn't the point. It may be painful to hear and to except as you admitted earlier, you have diverted drugs. If you read my earlier post, I don't encourage anyone to talk to the board over the phone, if they call just to ask you a few questions all very innocent, keep in mind you are know giving information to an investigator working on behalf of the state board. Let the board find their information on their own. You are not alone, and if you have any other questions let me know. My hope is that you seek treatment so you can continue nursing. Linda

Dear easlel, Yes there is hope. What I am about to tell you reflects my experiences with state boards. Since your year is going to be up very soon, you can begin the process of reinstatement. Contact your state board and request the necessary forms you will need to submit, sometimes you can print these off of the boards internet site. I would obtain a current copy of the nurse practice act and become familiar with "reinstatement section." The board only meets four times a year and more than likely you are going to have to go before them, which means you have to get on their docket, so get your forms filled out "carefully" and get them submitted. You can also inquire if the board has printed instructions on the process of reinstatement for you state. You can also begin collecting letters of recommendation from your Pastor for instance which you can submit with your application. Remember to keep a copy of everything. The other thing you might want to give some thought to is what have you done in the last year for example any volunteer work, and therapy etc. There are two things I can't stress enough. Check and recheck what you send into the board, I was charged with fraud because I missed a line on an application! If you have to contact the board take notes date time and who you spoke with. Be short and to the point...I need the forms for reinstatement, any directions for the process, and a copy of the NPA (which you most likely have to pay for, or some states you can download it from their website. I would encourage you not to get into a "conversation" just ask for what you need and nothing more. So you continue to have hope, and get busy. If you have any questions just let me know. One final thought....After you get reinstated, every time you need to renew or apply for endorsement into another state you will always have to answer "yes" to the question "have you ever had a license, suspended, revoked etc. Next no matter which state with the "yes" answer the next thing they will ask you for are "details." This can be a potential area to be concerned with. What I did after being notified that I had not provided "enough" information, I photocopy every document concerning your issue and send it all to them, return receipt of course. That will help you to avoid another rabbit hole I fell into. Your not alone in this. It sounds to me that it is time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start the process for reinstatement. Linda

The name of the book was "Death Shift". My boyfriend was appointed by the courts to defend her. I understand that she used a number of drugs to committ these murders. There was also a made for TV movie about it. I'm not sure if the book is still in print. If you find a copy her defense attorney was Jim Brookshire of Austin, Texas. He passed away in 2006.

Dear ADN, Statistically there are approximately 2.5 milion RN's needed in the country. Here is what may be difficult. Your first job. You can't go wrong with med/surg for one year, after getting your feet on the ground you can go any where. During that time you can also get your ACLS and PALS certifications Now your in a better position to get into the ICU or ED departments if you so desire. It's just my personal opinion that new grads who have no experience say ask a teck in ICU's or ED should begin there career there unless your lucky and get into a good precepter program. But don't ever let fear keep you from nursing when and where you want. The fear factor has been used to keep nurses in thier place, and I've been doing this since 1971. Remember, you will write the same state boards as the BSN students. I was an LPN for 20 years, recieved my ADN 1990 and went on to become a flight nurse...One final thought. The ADN V.BSN "discussion" has been going on since time and memorial, so don't sweat it. After all it's not the degree that makes a nurse great, a great nurse is called to the profession from the heart and delivers care from the heart with compassion. The world is your oyster and don't let anyone ever tell you any different! lzink

I have to disrespectfully disagree with a posting compairing crinal law with administrative law and that your rights are fairly much the same as a criminal. Here are my issues with that article. 1.cannot confront your aquisor 2.cannot cross examine witnesses 3. by law you or your attorney are not allowed to see any evidence the board plans to use against you. 4. Then there is the issue of a trial by your peers. 5. In some states you are given 5 minutes tell you story What you do have is the right to an appeal. I think knowledge is power and I encourage you to learn as much about administrative law as possible. I would also report this PD to the bar. this is the first time I have ever heard of diversion rising to a felony, and I have been lecturing and writing about this subject since 1982. About your problems with a job.... What were you charged with, and what were you found guilty of? You should look yourself up on the National Practioner Date Bank. There you will see what the BON opined about you, and you will have the opptunity to put in writing you version. A prospective employer is going to look you up anyway. Dress professionally, and act with confidence (not arrogance), speak slowly (people tend to get anxious) stick with the facts. I also hope you could tell the employer that the decision is under appeal. Ask her for the opportunity to put your vast experience to work for her/him. Look you are not the first nurse to have a legal issue, so just keep going to interviews, you will find someone with a compassionate heart and will give you a chance. Meanwhile, you must put the money together for your appeal. Take a job at the local blood bank, or for that fact it doesn't have to be in nursing at all like waitressing. Contact your State Nurses Association, there is a strong possibility you find some help, support, or they can point you in the right direction.

In regards to an attorney. I have been in front of four BON. I have spend thousands of dollars on attornies. Ith has been my experience that the nurse attornies had thier own agenda and interest and it wasn't me. If you decide to retain an attorney you need one that practices Administrative Law. Linda

And everyone wonders why we have a nursing shortage! I had a problem with broken demerol ampules, another RN was standing next to me and witnessed the broken vials, we wasted what was left and we both signed the narcotic recond. I was charged and to this day no one interviewed the witness. Understand, when the BON calls you at home don't talk to them. They are fishing for information. Tell them you have to pick up your kids or something like that. If they are going to charge you let them do theleg work don't give them anything because if they can they will use it against you. The other thing is that nursing falls under "administrative law". Which in short means nurses don't have the same rights as a common criminal. You will not be able to see any evidence so if you go to hearing and they ask for say a specific date and you don't remember just say that, because if you give the wrong date they will see that as attempting to be deceitful. Wait and see what the BON does. You will be sent documents in the mail. Please remember the state board is NOT your friend! They job is to protect the public. Good luck let me know if you have any questions. Linda

I see that your question was posted in January, and I see you have had a great response. Here are some things you need to know. The State Board is NOT you friend. Thier function is to protect the public. Second get a current copy of the nurse practice act. There is a high probability you will have to take a "refresher course". It can be expensive, so I suggeest contacting your states vocational rehabilatation office. If you have any problems with them look under your state for an organization DRC (disability Rights) if they take your case you will have legal assistance in getting the state to pay your expenses. Back to the state board, ask them if they have a reinstatement paperwork package if so have them send it to you. It should give you the requirements for reinstatment. You can take the refresher course online also. When you talk to the board be very professional. I know how devastating something like this is on your self esteem. I would also suggest doing everything you can by letter/email. You wil need a certified copy of the "Finding of Facts and Conclusions of Law" Writeand ask the board for a copy they will send it to you. Be VERY, VERY careful when you fill out any paper work, I was charged with fraud for missing a line on an application! I have had to go before 4 state boards I no it feels intimadating, so take a friend with you if this goies to hearing. Oh Yes...Keep meticulous note dates, time and the name of who you spoke with, send all written communication return receipt above all make copies of everything. If at some point you deside you want to practice in another state they will want a copy of those documents, you will have to go before that particular board for a hearing. There are nurse attornies and attornies that used to represent the board, but my personal experience has been costly, they were of no help, besides no one can tell your story better than you can. Beleive in yourself, thiis is a bunp in the road ok? Hear are a few other things You should see only one physician and that you and the physician have a ontrat in place which simply means you have told him/her that you have ben addicted to XYZ. Make sure the doc makes a not of it in your progress note, use only one pharmacy. If you have any other questions just let me know....Linda ps: if your not working a 12 step program you need to asap and get a sponsor if you need detox tell your doc, have as many urine drug screens done as possible. That will help document you were clean.

work days. Recentr scientific date has demonstrated that those individules who work 12 hours a day and then you throw in a night shift! There has been a 30% increase in heart attack and related problems. Take good care of your self so you can take care of those babies. Linda