Recently terminated- being reported to state BON

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I was recently terminated from my position in a hospital. I was accused of making 2 errors during my care for patients. I don’t want to give too much detail, but one was forgetting to document something properly and another was related to assessment. These 2 incidences occurred within a few day of each other unfortunately and my job terminated me. I recently became pregnant and honestly was feeling a little more tired and foggy to begin with. Now I’m worried something will happen to my license. Anyone else have experience with this? None of my patients had any effects from either situations.

Thanks everyone! I had a free consult with a lawyer that’s represented nurses in the past and he said that most of the thing she seen ppl get reprimanded or license suspension were much more egregious than anything I did, at worst, he thought I would get a reprimand. I am hoping they don’t pursue it. I do believe the hospital was more punitive than they had to. I never told anyone from work I was pregnant either so I don’t think I can claim discrimination. I was waiting until after the first trimester to tell anyone. Hoping I find another job soon. This whole thing has completely brought down my confidence, and been emotionally difficult for me. Thanks for the support !

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Specializes in ER.

In Maine, if they terminate you, they are obligated to write to the BON and make a report as to why. Being reported doesn't automatically mean they think you should lose your license. I've been in that position twice, made a written reply to the BON and just got a "we consider the matter closed" letter. Don't panic, it could be just CYA paperwork from the hospital.

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2 minutes ago, canoehead said:

In Maine, if they terminate you, they are obligated to write to the BON and make a report as to why. Being reported doesn't automatically mean they think you should lose your license. I've been in that position twice, made a written reply to the BON and just got a "we consider the matter closed" letter. Don't panic, it could be just CYA paperwork from the hospital.

Thank you! I’m not sure if their required by law to report it bc at first they told me they said they weren’t sure if they were going to report it or not. Were you able to find a job after? I feel like I’ll never find something, I rly need to find something before my baby is born, and definitely before I start to show.

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On 1/22/2020 at 4:59 PM, nurseinthecity11 said:

I was recently terminated from my position in a hospital. I was accused of making 2 errors during my care for patients. I don’t want to give too much detail, but one was forgetting to document something properly and another was related to assessment. These 2 incidences occurred within a few day of each other unfortunately and my job terminated me. I recently became pregnant and honestly was feeling a little more tired and foggy to begin with. Now I’m worried something will happen to my license. Anyone else have experience with this? None of my patients had any effects from either situations.

not charting something properly? thats ridiculous, half of the charting of nurses that i know of are either blank from night shift, either they were out to get you or the nurses you work with (managers) are a real crappy people.

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47 minutes ago, socal1 said:

not charting something properly? thats ridiculous, half of the charting of nurses that i know of are either blank from night shift, either they were out to get you or the nurses you work with (managers) are a real crappy people.

That’s funny you should say that bc I had this feeling that my manager was out to get me for a while. He did some shady things, like tried to make it look like it was my turn to float When it was obviously another nurse’s, and yelling at me for things that weren’t my fault . Now I’m trying to find another job, but it’s so hard, especially bc I don’t rly want hospital again after this experience.

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Hi Nurseinthecity11,

You wrote this last year, so I hope things have been going well since then. At least, time has passed and you have moved on. My heart goes out with compassion to anyone going through this. It is horrifying and often unfair. In that some people can be reported for minor mistakes. I am in what sounds to be a similar position. I am just sickened.. with shame (even though I did not act unethically or illegally), helplessness, confidence is gone, etc.

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On 12/26/2020 at 3:42 PM, prettyheadache said:

Hi Nurseinthecity11,

You wrote this last year, so I hope things have been going well since then. At least, time has passed and you have moved on. My heart goes out with compassion to anyone going through this. It is horrifying and often unfair. In that some people can be reported for minor mistakes. I am in what sounds to be a similar position. I am just sickened.. with shame (even though I did not act unethically or illegally), helplessness, confidence is gone, etc.

Hi, with covid it actually took a year for them to contact me so just hearts from them. I am so sorry you’re going through this. I contacted a lawyer and he is going to represent me. You should do this as soon as you hear from your BON! I feel the same way- dumb, shameful, like a failure. I didn’t do anything illegal or unethical either, but I feel like a failure as a nurse.

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21 hours ago, nurseinthecity11 said:

Hi, with covid it actually took a year for them to contact me so just hearts from them. I am so sorry you’re going through this. I contacted a lawyer and he is going to represent me. You should do this as soon as you hear from yoyour BON! I feel the same way- dumb, shameful, like a failure. I didn’t do anything illegal or unethical either, but I feel like a failure as a nurse.

Hey.. oh gosh that took awhile. I was also told that it could be awhile until I am notified. I don't know if that makes it easier or harder to move on...? ? Yes, I will get legal counsel if necessary. Have you been able to get a job since then?

I am sending you compassion and empathy. ❤️ I hope all of this gets resolved easily and quickly for us both. I know how alone I feel, and it's a small comfort that someone out there understands. Feel free to DM me if you need/want to talk.

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On 1/8/2021 at 2:36 PM, prettyheadache said:

Hey.. oh gosh that took awhile. I was also told that it could be awhile until I am notified. I don't know if that makes it easier or harder to move on...? ? Yes, I will get legal counsel if necessary. Have you been able to get a job since then?

I am sending you compassion and empathy. ❤️ I hope all of this gets resolved easily and quickly for us both. I know how alone I feel, and it's a small comfort that someone out there understands. Feel free to DM me if you need/want to talk.

Awww, definitely makes me feel better! I was working at an endoscopy clinic for 6 months until I had my son. It was awkward  though bc I was also pregnant and waited to tell them. I am taking time off now to be home with my son. A part of me wants to eventually go back to the hospital and the other part is worried about this happening again.

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On 1/27/2020 at 7:58 PM, Peterpan said:

I have seen this with my own eyes and believe you me, they truly give you 10 days from the date of the letter which automatically makes it like 4 days considering the weekend and postage days to and fro, but the attorney can write and ask for an extension which is always around 10-15 extra days from the date of the request.

Yes, I only received 10 days although bc I hired a lawyer I was given more time. It took a year for them to contact me so now I am stressing over this. 

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On 1/27/2020 at 8:08 PM, canoehead said:

In Maine, if they terminate you, they are obligated to write to the BON and make a report as to why. Being reported doesn't automatically mean they think you should lose your license. I've been in that position twice, made a written reply to the BON and just got a "we consider the matter closed" letter. Don't panic, it could be just CYA paperwork from the hospital.

Do you mind sharing what the reason was? I am being investigated now and definitely feeling nervous about my license? 

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Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

Just reading this thread stresses me out.  One of my greatest fears is having to be involved with any contact with any board of nursing at any time in my career.  I've actually thought of leaving nursing altogether due to this fear.  What I've noticed is that hospitals, in particular, seem to be especially fierce in regards to pursuing legal consequences against any nurse's mistake (hence, I do not work in the hospital setting).  With that said, due to my lack of experience I can't offer advise but wish you well and good luck as you go through this.  ? Hugs ?

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