I have been reading the discussion board for sometime now and find it very imformative, with kindness, wisdom and knowledge...At this point in my career and life, I find the only place I can turn for these characteristics to help me with my problem is here. I have been a nurse for over 10 years now, I love nursing, I, as you all have worked hard to get my license, and work hard on a daily basis to maintain it. Take care of my patient and yet deal with the nursing politics and nursing shortage. I have been in many committees, the ethics commitee and even awarded nurse of the year. Not because I was this "great nurse" we all are "great nurses...but because I went the extra mile in patient care...and I truely love nursing...it's all I know..In 1999, I went through a terrible heartbreaking divorce, I was depressed and yet continued to work under the same circumstances we all have to deal with on a day to day basis...short staffing and the politics...I am a single parent with nursing my only career for a long time..I depend on it to support my son and I. In 1999, I was as many other times working short staffed and found myself staying after,like so many other times to finish up charting...patient care comes first right? Well, this time I forgot to chart something...and we all know that if it isn't charted it wasn't done. It was turned over to the board of nursing and placed under investigation...now in a few days I will have to face the board for an informal hearing to face my punishment. I know the outcome of this...no matter what my punishment may be...I will be looked down upon and ridiculed by my peers, the hospital I work at now and in the future...nothing will ever be the same...I probably will never be hired again...and this is all I know...(please excuse me for babbling, there are so many fears and anxiety within me). I'm so scared..nothing like this has ever happened to me...I don't know what to expect or what to do...I have not gone a day without a tear and a prayer for strength...I know that it will become public notice and I will never be able to hold my head up again..I have even thought about moving to another state...but I also know that it will follow me...does anyone know how you even apply for a license in another state..I am so scared and depressed right now, I feel as though I can't even breath..please, I know this is long...but your time and knowledge..your wisdom and advice would be so greatly appreciated...I have to face the boards in a few days...I would rather...I don't know...I just feel like my whole life is ruined...I know I need to be strong...but it is hard...please I ask for your help...and your prayers....Thank you for your time...I know this is long...may God bless you all...from one nurse to another...