Mindfulone1

Thanks srvjamz...That's exactly what I plan to do.

Have a verbal offer from a Hospital 30 minutes away....Can't believe it!!!

Yes, I agree ...From what I hear there are still many 50+ nurses in the work force but they are most likely experienced nurses and not recent grads. I'll check out LTACs. Thanks for the tip and the luck! :-)

I am an RN, licensed 2 years ago at 51 and have since worked on the rehab unit of a skilled nursing facility and at a large, specialty medical practice. I still want to work in acute care. Bedside nursing on the rehab unit was very fulfilling but MD office less so. I'm in good physical shape and halfway through my BSN. I interviewed for a hospital job when I graduated and was told, "it was an 'extremly' difficult decision but we selected another candidate." My longer term vision is to eventually work part time and then per idemn in acute care. Should I go for it again??? Or am I wasting my time?

Will do jhug. Thanks for the tip!

I resigned and found a great position at a large multi specialty medical practice. :-)

I graduated at 51, 2 yrs. ago. There were about 4 or 5 of us in our 50s. I am working full time now and the physical part of it is not a problem for me. I would like to be working in acute care. With a little experience under my belt I have started to reapply to hospitals... But, with my Bachelor's degree earned in 1985 on my resume, recruiters can tell how old I am. I am willing to bet this puts me at disadvantage from the get go.

Thank you onedayitllbeme, flying scot and capecodmermaid. Let the chips fall where they may. I've done my best.

Not nothing for sure. I learned; 1. Even if there are no policies for double and triple checking med. admin. in a school setting, it's essential to adhere to a personal standard of double and triple checking when administering meds to anyone. 2. Look your mistakes square in the eye, learn from them, minimize risk by advocating for change if necessary and move forward, no self flagellation required.

Thanks!! Everyone's support has completely changed my perception of this event. Feeling grateful for this alllnurses community of nurses who listen and lend their support and wisdom to their fellow nurses. Vowing to pay it forward....

Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope the school administration has the ability to fully understand how this might have happened. Part of the problem here is being judged by school administrators rather than experienced nursing administrators.

Sent the letter already and didn't dis anyone or any group. Suggested my recommendations to changes in their med policy.

Thank you...I love you guys...

Extremely helpful ESME12!!! Taking this info and running with it...

Met with Director of Student Support Services and the RN in charge of hiring subs. They began with "We wanted to start off by saying we've heard a lot of positive things about you." I explained what happened from my perspective and they said, "Well it's out of our hands." The decision is the superintendents. I asked if I could write a written appeal, so I'm doing that now.

I love the boldness with which, you very experienced nurses, express yourself!!! Using this incident to practice speaking up for myself and advocating for kids. Still shaking though, dammit.

Refining my case. Thank you FlyingScot. Helpful! I have a tendency to beat myself up over things like this, so the balance of perspectives on how to proceed is so helpful. There are lots of details I could recount, and explaining them to a lay person might make my message ambiguous. I will be objective and succinct in my description of the incident, explain that I am owning my mistake and make a recommendation on how the mistake might be avoided. I have information on an FDA Safety Alert about labeling insulin pens that I would like to share with him. I know what to do, doing it another story. Will post how it went.

The wisdom of the comments I am receiving is so valuable! I am using the script above and incorporating the other advice....WOW...This is an awesome forum...Great therapy...

That's a good perspective from which to approach this meeting...Staying focused on the kids safety is really what this is about...So wrapped up in the stress this event has caused me...Thank you and please send good vibes my way at 11 am tomorrow morning!

I am going to have to dig deep for the courage to explain my actions, let alone be the advocate for changing the system... Although I can imagine being so brave...Your words and these comments are inspiring.

Pens are not labeled but placed with the student's supplies. Too many details to explain but ultimately my fault.

The pens, although unlabeled, are kept with each students supplies.

There was Humalog in both pens. Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I don't know you but, it really means a lot to hear some supportive words right now.!!

I am a 53 yr. old new grad and just began a substitute school nurse position. I made a medication error and have to go into to talk to the superintendent about it. I used another student's insulin pen to give insulin to a student, unknowingly. Student is fine. Will I get fired for this? I was excited about the possibility of making this a career...Love the kids, schedule and laid back atmosphere. Anyone ever mixed up unlabeled insulin pens before? Should I hang it up and go back to interior design????