Stayed suspension

[Rn061886]

9/17/17, I picked up a 4 hour shift as an agency nurse. I had some non narcotic Med errors, computer was glitching. And it was hectic and busy and I was the only nurse on the floor in LTC facility passing meds. In the report that the BON has it even states in there that I told my supervisor I was having trouble with the computer. BON sent me a letter this week telling me they want to place my license on stayed suspension for 2 years, 2 years probation and $500 fine. I work in the ED. Right now and am just wondering if it’s likely that my current employer will fire me over this. I have absolutely no restrictions on my license. And was charged with 1 count of professional misconduct failure to document. Has anyone else ever received a stayed suspension? Is my nursing career over? I love what I do!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

First off, if you're user name is your actual name, change it immediately...

[RoxRN]

First thing is check with the employee handbook of your current employer. Most employers are understanding IF you are up front with them. I use to be an ADON in a LTC facility and I know nurses with worst track records still able to practice. Also, by what you are telling me about why you were reported, have you looked into an appeal? Sounds like to me they made you the escape goat for a poorly run facility. But, definitely be upfront with your current employer about what the BON has done. I also hope you did talk to the agency that gave you that assignment. They may not want to send another nurse back to that facility. But, take a deep breath...it’s not over!

[Queen Tiye, RN]

Get nurse Liability Insurance and lawyer up. NSO is a reputable company.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Sounds to me like you needed a lawyer quite some time ago. Usually they don't get to the sentencing portion until there has been at least one hearing.

I suggest you get legal advice from a lawyer well versed in BON matters.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

11 hours ago, Queen Tiye said:

Get nurse Liability Insurance and lawyer up. NSO is a reputable company.

However, they aren't going to cover retroactively.

[Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN]

The BON is suspending you for two years for some missed documentation from 2 years ago? From an LTC at which you were only filling in for 4 hours as an agency nurse that had documented issues with their computer at the time you were there?

Something isn’t adding up, why is this so heavy-handed?

[Lorie Brown RN, MN, JD]

The best defense is a strong offense. I would recommend hiring an attorney. You can find a nurse attorney at TAANA.org. The attorney needs to see the evidence against you to make sure the state can prove their case. Just agreeing to something without seeing the evidence is like pleading guilty to a crime you did not commit.