renal123

Unfortunately Florida is an "at will employment" state. You can get fired for any reason at any time. But I have a bunch of interviews next week and who knows - I may find the perfect job.

Well, I did get fired. The investigation said I went over and above protocol for fluid removal and doc denied I tried to call him. So doing extra for this fluid-overloaded patient cost me a job. They said I went beyond my scope of practice for an RN and violated the nurse practice act. So I think I have had my fill of outpatient HD and thinking of returning to hospital based. I miss my 3 12hour shifts anyway. I have experience in several areas so I'll hopefully find something quick. I just thought it would be a decent job while I'm in school. I'm hopefully starting NP program in January. Thanks!

He just told the nurse manager "to deal with it" and doesn't even know what nurse was involved. Out of the 1000 things I did that day this was not perfect. Instead of trying to smooth things over with the doc she called corporate.

Thanks for responding. I did find their policy online - says call doc before treatment unless this is typical for patient. Then says call doc if no decrease in B/P in 1 hour. Then post B/P call doc if high unless this is typical for patient. It was a busy nite and the guy went AMA so he wasn't there long. I was in management with Gambro for 12 years and I wouldn't have given up on a nurse - especially when this was an isolated and uncharacteristic episode.

I just would like to get feedback from other HD nurses out there. I have been suspended pending investigation for not getting hold of a doc for his non-compliant, drug-addicted patient with hypertension. I did call and leave message once but the guy went AMA within a short time. This patient routinely skips treatments every single week and hypertension is the norm for him - he refuses to take his meds and says this prob is "seasonal". I have over 20 years in dialysis plus ER, ICU and radiology. I have never been written up or missed a day at this job. I know it's not the end of the world to get fired but this seems very excessive. There were no adverse events as a result. Just want to hear what other nurses think - it was a busy night and I admit I dropped the ball but getting fired seems a little over the top.