Responding to the BON without a lawyer

[TexRN, BSN, RN]

I was recently terminated after what feels like absorbing the error and negligence of a physician. Because of the situation and how betrayed I feel in general I decided not to go back to get another job. Now I'm being made to fight for something I don't want because I don't want it taken from me. I don't have $4,000 for a retainer for a lawyer. Does anyone have good resources for going up against the board yourself? I've never been in trouble for anything in the 7 years I've been a nurse. I feel like it's easily explainable to the point that if I was actually asked what happened I wouldn't have gotten fired or reported. What would you do? 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Its understandable to think of stopping a nursing carrier post involvement in unsettling workplace situation resulting in termination.  The American Association of Nurse Attorneys  has a referral service with many  RN, JD in Texas with experience in license defense.   4,000 fee is minimal compared to loss of income from never practicing again over ones lifetime.    Many offer free initial consultation.   Few nurses who  represent themselves are successful.

American Nurse:  What to do when you're being investigated

Quote

Should you represent yourself?  You have the right to represent yourself. If you take this route, at a minimum you'll need to:
• read up on the laws, regulations, processes, and procedures regarding investigations by county law enforcement agencies, the attorney general's office, and the pharmacy and nursing boards
• review your state's nurse practice act, state board of nursing regulations, and the process and procedures of nursing board disciplinary investigations and the adjudicative process.
Obviously, doing all this won't be easy. And representing yourself is always risky. Whenever possible, hire an attorney instead.

Nursing Disciplinary Action Explained

Licensing Board Complaints and Investigations: What Every Nurse Should Know

[Blueskies]

While you have the right to, you do not have the ability to defend yourself without an attorney. $4,000 can seem like a ton of money, and it is, but a good attorney is worth every penny. You can make that money up quickly by working a few doubles, or running a shot clinic. Go hire an attorney and make sure he is a bulldog.

Speaking from experience.