bbcfan

Sorry I am irking some of you. But the incident truly was just that. He left the floor for the night without giving a report. When the other nurse left she SAID she was going to go admit a new patient. That takes quite along time. What she did was just take the vital signs. When she returned, my bf was gone. She tried to call him but he always turns off his phone when he drives. Takes him an hour to get here. His sister was here with her kids to surprise him for the weekend. Forgot to turn the phone back on. When he got the message he called the nurse and apologized and she did also. She admitted the miscommunication. Honestly, that is the extent of what happened. No patients suffered. His co workers are quite shocked at his dismissal for this. The hospital is continually fighting to keep its accreditation and was almost forced to close. The new hospital is trying to cross all the ts and dot the I's to get on solid ground. I think that is a big factor in this. If they want t to dismiss for this, fine. If they want to cover their butts by reporting it to the BON ,fine. Could be the board will taB-)ke no action, issue a letter of reprimand or a docs. They won't flag his license during the investigation unless he is considered a public risk. His brother is partner in a law firm and does have access to nurse consultants. We cannot get the papers to evaluate until he is legally notified a complaint has been made. Then he himself has to travel to the state capital to pick up the papers. That is just the way it is here. It is frustrating and irksome to ME too because this IS the whole story. So sometimes nurses do get railroaded. I will admit my bf isn't a social being. He goes to work and comes home. There may be other reasons they wanted him gone but they should have TOLD him and given him an inkling of what they were unhappy with and given him a chance to change. He does not want his job back. He just wants to protect his license.

Suppose to read judgement, not environment. Auto correct is rarely my friend. Thanks y'all. Will let you know how the license issue goes but it will be a few weeks to a few months. Hope your new year will be happy and stress free and that all you do is appreciated.

Our state does not allow unions for teachers, nurses, policemen, firemen, etc. And this WAS his first infraction. Hospital was recently acquired by another and I think the interim director is trying score points. Our concern now is his license. The director says this was technically patient abandonment and withholding information. He had started to give the info to the nurse but then she took off. He understood her to say she was going to admit a patient and was good to go. His license will be flagged if the board considers this risking public safety. The director said that since he assumed, she no longer felt it was safe for him to work on the floor. To me it sounds like a personal vendetta. Sounds like she putting her own spin on things. Best not to work under people like that. He has to travel to the state capitol to pick up in person any papers filed. But we will do that. Now if we had a union, we wouldn't be at the mercy of those looking to make themselves look good. Most nurses can't afford lawyers. We are lucky to get advice from several of his family members who are attorneys. So at least we know to get involved in the process at the beginning. My fear is that he is a male nurse and here in the bible belt some make assumptions and let their prejudices cloud their environment. I am female so their assumption would be wrong but that shouldn't matter. Just my feeling at this point. Not saying this is the case. I am in my disappointment phase.

Thank you all for your posts. It did help us get through to the point where we know for sure. Now we at least know where we stand. You all made valid points. Thank you.

The rules do say his license is active until the time any action to suspend is made. But how can you honestly look for another position with that over your head? True, he can state on an application that he holds a free license, but he would have a hard time knowing he may have to rescind that. He just isn't that kind of person. Full disclosure. And that won't get him a job.

You are right, krisiepoo. The incident will be reported to the BON. The director is required to report such incidents according to the rules. It isn't up to her to make the decision of the severity we realize. Of course, that doesn't mean any action will be taken or that he will lose his license or even get flagged unless the investigator deams it caused risk to the general public. And that will be left up to the discretion of the investigator. His brother is a lawyer and is advising him to not make hasty decisions about career changes, but since we didn't think with the misunderstanding termination would occur, he is expecting the worse for the license issue. You just never can tell. He is asking for copies of all documents submitted though so they can't lie about what happened. The hospital is in the process of changing ownership so things are being looked at with fine tooth combs. Best to plan for the worst. He was such a good nurse, though. And there are drug addicts on the floor who get to stay because they are in a reputable rehab program. Ah well. What can you do? Maybe this is a blessing wrapped in barbed wire. I guess we just have to have faith things will turn out as they are meant to. He is still kicking himself for that mistake, though. He should never have left the floor without leaving a verbal report to someone no matter what his replacement nurse said to him. Guess that is a message made loud and clear here.

He might not be telling me everything but he has never been disciplined or counseled for anything. But leaving the floor without giving a verbal report even if the nurse is there is reckless behavior and must be reported to the nursing board. Just wish he could have kept working until a decision was made. Maybe they were looking for an excuse to cut back on staff, don't like male nurses, don't like him, or something he isn't' t telling me. Time will tell I guess. Any ideas on alternative careers for nursing?

He got terminated. He caught many pharmacy errors and they didn't' t even get a hand slap. Glad I don't work for THAT hospital.

Still no news. He was scheduled to work tomorrow and can't get hold of anyone either by phone or email to update him. So frustrating!

No word yet. I do want to thank you all for sharing your thoughts with me. Reading them does help.

Well, he knows it is serious. He doesn't tell me exactly what the conversation was except to say he thought that she indicated she would get what get what she needed from his chart notes. And when he got home family was here to surprise him and he forgot to turn his phone back on. He called right away when he got the message and apologized to the replacement who also was sorry for the miscommunication. But in hindsight he realized he could and probably should have done a verbal with the charge nurse or someone else. His hospital doesn't do taped and written is chart notes. And he is kicking himself for the phone because distraction is no excuse. We expect consequences but are worried he will lose his job. On administrative leave now. I know answers have to wait. I think I am looking to see if anyone has experienced something similar and what happened. The unknown can drive you crazy and you grasp for ways to cope until you know.

I think jadelpn is spot on with the advice to go with what your manager wants and to try to keep a notebook. And hang in there and give yourself time. Starting anew is always stressful. Even when you take a position in a field in which you are well versed, it takes time to learn the routines and personalities of a new place. And those who fly off the handle may be reacting to their own stress and your "newness" is an opportunity to let off steam. Hang in there and remember you are trying to board a train that is moving full speed. You will get there and this awful transition time feeling will pass.

I would look for another position. You will burn out and lose your passion for nursing if you stay. I so wish the powers that be would realize overloading nurses is bad for business as well as patient care. It is horrible to work in a place that puts profit ahead of patient welfare. What types of facilities are available in your area?

I am so sorry this is happening to you. It is quite upsetting. My BF also had his only negative experience in nursing college in the maternity rotation. I felt the instructor had issues with male nurses in that field. Maybe look into a program in a different state? I know it would be difficult with a family and work but it would bear consideration.

Thanks, loriangel. I think it would be harsh, too. Your words will help us get through the day. Will keep you posted.