Pyxis error

[decarla]

Hello colleagues,

I really need some opinions and advice. Last Thursday (7/28/16), I was escorted to HR, in which they showed me a print out report of my transactions from the Pyxis the day before. It showed I had removed a narcotic on a patient that wasn't my patient and not even in my dept(PACU), but in pre-admission tesing I found out. I never go to that dept I said, and this was not my patient, and I didn't perform this transaction. They informed me I had to submit my fingerprint for this transaction. I continued to tell them I never made that transaction.I also provided them with as much details of that day. Long story short: I was suspended w/o pay, submitted to a drug test, which was negative and had to be driven home from work in my car by someone else with the director of security following behind. This has left me devastated, horrified, scared to death, mentally and physically stressed. I am not a druggie nor a drug thief!!! I've been a nurse 41 yrs! Why on earth would I do this now?? I know they have policies, but they still damaged my integrity, character and reputation as my coworkers knew something was up before me! I can't eat or sleep. I have prayed and prayed. I'm truly scared I'm going to lose my livelihood, go to jail, God knows what else. I called this past Monday and left a message for the HR director to call me back. Never got a call. I heard today she is on vacation. I tried to get hold of the person covering for her, but could not get thru to HR or even leave a message. I finally called another dept director for help, and she took a message to that person..never got a call back today. Tried to call again before they closed. No answer and not able to leave a message. I have consulted with one attorney, who basically took my money and didn't give me any encouragement, only that he could send them a letter for $1000. Needless to say, I'm looking for someone else, but I can't afford an attorney and make too much money for a pro bono attorney. Tomorrow is my last paycheck. What then?

I truly believe this is based on human error in the Pyxis, but how can I prove it?? Please send me your opinion and advice on this mishap. Any article links would be greatly appreciated as I need all the info I can to prove my case.

Thank you so much in advance. I trust going to my colleagues because I believe we take care of each other!

Respectfully,

DD

[decarla]

I'm not giving up yet. I am still looking for an atty. I have had many wonderful comments from here and I feel so inspired!

[moldyoldyrn]

I think most of us can identify with your problem. Some of us from real experience being targeted. Others from what they have witnessed. Just remember Nursing did not do this. When my supervisor targeted me I had great support but felt like the lowest thing on earth. To have practiced with a totally clean record for 41 years and be hit with unfounded and downright concocted accusations just about killed me. I cried for a long time. Had to eat lunch in the Union office where I felt accepted, when I could get food down. Without the Union I would have gone under. I found incredible support but nurses who knew what was going on watched very closely and when I was restored they knew for certain the Union worked and that I persevered. It was a hard time. I won a Worker's comp Stress claim due to the effects of what she did to me. I was not after money I wanted to make sure it was on the books that she DID this to me and it was wrong. I got a change of shift, a promotion and walked back to my job with my head up. The nurses and CNAs around me really held me up as they knew it could happen to them. I worked with another RN (we were the day RNs) and she held me up like I never thought possible. We are still fast friends. I became the Union's go-to person when this happened to others. Let me say too that not only did I have the local people behind me but also the full force of the National Union. When I was introduced to some of the National people when they came for a visit they knew who I was and could talk about what I had been through like they had been there. So that tells you the whole story went far and wide. I still say these things could be addressed in the voting booth. That is where your power is. Nurses are now in a position more than ever to make a difference in how we are treated. You go girl. I might suggest you contact the NNU about your situation. Even though you are not Unionized they might be able to steer you to an attorney or other resources to help yourself. I have no idea how involved the Union is in your state. But I do know that certain Hospital Corporations have records of how they treat RNs and you night get info on this happening to others. You have a real climb, put on your working shoes and go. Prayers.

[CalArmy]

I absolutely would sue. You should be able to find an Attorney who will represent you for a portion of the settlement. I would make sure your ducks are absolutely beak to tail. IE: the hair test, urine, lie detector etc. nobody should be allowed to treat you like that. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. An attorney can also look up other legal suits this facility may have in the past to hep your cause. Best of luck to you!!!

[decarla]

I loved your msg. Unfortunately, that hospital was not union. Not many are in Texas. But I feel I was wronged and won't give up til I make it right.

[decarla]

Thank you so much for your msg. I'm not giving up

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

I loved your msg. Unfortunately, that hospital was not union. Not many are in Texas. But I feel I was wronged and won't give up til I make it right.

Yes, please do not give up. We each have to fight our battles in order to try to help those in the future if nothing else. I am determined to not allow my situation to be only about me. I have felt that way from the start.

[CalArmy]

I understand the investigation part but the blatant lack of respect to you and not responding to anything is awful!!

[2ofelia]

It happened to me. The Pyxis showed that I pulled out a medication from a different unit. I told the nurse manager that I didn't work that day and I am not certified to give an IV. I work in the psychiatric unit and we never take care of patient with IV or heplocks. Upon a thorough investigation, it was found out that I have an employee ID number almost identical to another nurse and it was the pharmacy fault for putting the wrong employee ID # in the computer. I think your supervisor or nurse manager didn't bother to thoroughly investigate this matter.

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

Thank you sooooo much!