Question about peer review

[feebebe23]

So I am going to peer review! Yeah! I don't really want to go into specifics for obvious reasons. So I know that some of you out there on this board have served on peer review boards before. Here is my question.... What kind of things do you want to hear from a nurse to persuade you not to make a board report? I have lots of things on my side right now i.e. unsafe staffing, over AWHONN standards, letters of support from the MD, documentation of other nurses doing the same thing (my defense is that this is a system error not a ME error), reasons why I am not at risk for this infraction again, how I admitted my error instead of covering it up (which I could have easily done) ect Do peer review people want to hear remorse, excuses, suggestions on how to fix the issue. I am basically guilty of a documentation error. If anyone might have some detailed advice to offer I would be happy to PM more info. Just seeking advice.

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

I serve on Peer Review and this is the ONLY thing I want to hear from any participant... The truth!

I needed to edit this for clarification. I really don't care about all the little petty excuses. And believe me there are millions of them. Most peer committees are made up of recovering nurses and drug and alchohol counsellors and nurses that work in drug rehab. One of the people on that committees has heard every excuse and even used the same excuses.

They have heard them all. We know when someone is blowing smoke. And I promise you they know when someone is lying. The absolute best thing to do is tell the truth, no sugar coating or anything else, just the truth.

[tewdles, RN]

Agree with previous post...the truth is always your friend in healthcare. Having said that, keep in mind that the truth generally has some "hard" evidence...so, documentation that demonstrates that you were following the unit "practice" even though this practice is not the policy or procedure will likely influence the way the board views your particular case. Be prepared to answer their questions honestly and factually. Your hope is that a "process" problem will be identified which will reduce the chances that this will happen again to anybody and you will retain your license and employment without hindrance. Good luck.