scared and alone...need advice...please

rncountry · Mar 31, 2001

Please contact Steve Lee at [email protected] I believe he may have resources to help you. BTW, do you have an attorney? It is important to have one if at all possible. If you email me I will provide Steves phone number for you.

moonchild20002000 · Apr 1, 2001

Sammy,

It sounds like you have really been through a rough time. My heart goes out to you. I know you are anxious,try not to be so hard on yourself.Do you have someone close to you that you can talk to? I think the idea of an attorney is a good thing for you to do if possible.I know the next few days will be hard for you,I'll keep you in my prayers.

sammy26 · Apr 1, 2001

Thank you so much for your advice and your prayers...I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me...

bedhead · Apr 1, 2001

I am so sorry that you are going through a hard time. I don't know the ramifications of your situation, and since it is a legal issue I would certainly get an attorney. Was the patient seriously harmed in any way? and is it possible you can document a late entry with your supervisors approval. , even though it wasn't documented, and if you did do what you were suppose to do, and no injury occured then a late entry might be acceptable. Here in my hospital we have computer charting so late entries can be added without any problems. I once had an occurence and I was able to document and add to the chart,with my supervisors support. Good luck. I'll keep my eyes open for your reply.bedhead.

Tim-GNP · Apr 1, 2001

Be comforted... I don't know the circumstances surrounding the 'hearing', but I do know that board of nursing hearings tend to be simple 'inquiries.' Keep your head, present your side in a 'matter-of-factish' sort of way. The way in which you conduct yourself is EVERYTHING. If it is not resolved at that point, get an attorney. IF it goes that far.

Here in the Commonwealth of PA, we have a newsletter that comes out every now and again [its supposed to be quarterly] that reports the disciplinary actions taken by the board against nurses. It lists their infractions and their sentence. I will be honest with you--- I don't remember any of their names.

The most important thing is not to beat yourself. I am sure I have forgotten things in the past as well. It does not mean that you are not a good nurse. It means your human [at least you know that the aliens didn't kidnap the real you and leave an android look-alike]. All joking aside, the purpose of any state board of nursing is to assure that people are 'safe' for practice. They are quite hard pressed to prove that you are 'an immediate threat to society.' Check your state board of nursing rules/regulations for exact words. You also have an appeals process should you need it.

I don't know how tight I am with the guy upstairs, but I am sure that he at least looks out for his nurses.

Sunshine55 · Apr 1, 2001

Sammy - What a difficult and stressful situation you have described. DO NOT give up hope. You keep your head held high! I recall many times driving home from work trying to remember if I'd forgotten anything. I have made an occasional late entry and signed it with a late entry notation as have many other nurses I've worked with. With so much to do and such limited time, this could happen to any of us. Hopefully, other staff have been supportive. Please follow the excellent advice of rncountry. Think positively and present yourself in a confident and truthful manner before the Board. Wish I could give you a hug!

CC NRSE · Apr 1, 2001

Sammy,

I know your scared, but try to be strong. Your son needs you. If it is any comfort to you, (I know this is different) I know someone who was caught taking the MSO4 left over (instead of wasting) after he had given his pts meds. All his has to do is go to some classes. He did not lose his license. I actually know several people eho have been in trouble for one thing or another and don't know anyone who has had their license suspended.

As for your co-workers, they know what kind of nurse you are and shouldn't judge you based on one incident. We are all human. I'm sure it could have happen to anyone especially in this day of short staffing.

Good luck to ya! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Let us know how it gos.

lita1857 · Apr 1, 2001

a true nurse my friend, guilty of the most henious crime...you were human. I have no idea what has gone on in this situation but I agree with Tim now is the time to care for yourself - YOU are the patient right now. Everything you would do as a nurse do for yourself!!!Most of us worry everyday, a few of us have walked in similar shoes as you...you are not alone you are part of a collective. Hang in there, you can do it for your child and yourself. Best of luck

cpkranky · Apr 1, 2001

This is a perfect example of how nurses can come together and support each other..I commend all of you who have spoken out in support of a nurse in need. I am proud to be a nurse and this comdradary makes me even prouder!!! I hope that you keep your head up and remember..God knows your troubles,Give them to Him,do your best and let go of the rest..Good luck

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Apr 1, 2001

Sammy, I feel so bad for you. I wish I could make it all go away for you and I would if I could. How are you with imagery? Close your eyes and try to think of all of us standing right beside you, arm in arm. Because you know we are really all right there. We all really care and come back and write to us..as someone before me said..you are only human...we all are. No one should hold themselves to a higher standard. There was only one perfect person who walked on this earth...and his occupation wasn't nurse. I can't imagine how you are feeling. Hope the other nurses that you work with are being supportive. I really don't know what happened, but I know I can look up the page on the internet that lists the nurses who are being disciplined in my state...I don't remember anyones name...and the only ones who lost their licence where the ones who had committed a crime...stole things, wrote bad checks, or abandoned their patients doing homecare. Just remember when you go...we are all there with you. Good Luck and God Bless you and your son.

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shockx3RN · Apr 1, 2001

Originally posted by rncountry:
Please contact Steve Lee at [email protected] I believe he may have resources to help you. BTW, do you have an attorney? It is important to have one if at all possible. If you email me I will provide Steves phone number for you.

I don't know how to tangibly help you. I too have been a nurse for 11 years, went through a terrible divorce, and was a single parent to my little boy. I know what it's like to have your world crumble. I'll pray for you. God is the only one that brought me through my trials!