Support for the Fallen

[Libbycrrn]

Is there a specific place a nurse can check in to for advice, wisdom, direction after a med error disaster? I've had a tremendous amount of stressful, and some devastating, circumstances in my life in the last few months and now I've made my first, and hopefully last major med error mistake and am now looking for a new job. The patient, thankfully, is fine; I had caught the error and preventative measures were implemented with constant assessments throughout the day even though the effects of the med didn't last long.

My supervisor worked with me and talked with me about different things. Unfortunately, some of the other things she visited with me at that moment were regarding complaints by other staff members. She didn't say it, but to me it was obvious I was not fitting in and had felt that for some time before this moment. I could tell by issues mentioned that people were nice to my face but complained behind my back. These were events I witnessed them helping each other with. The supervisor says when she met with her supervisor about the situation that she tried to get me into another position in the facility so I could continue learning and pursuing my career with them. Due to the massive budget cuts many facilities are experiencing, she says she was told no, there were no other positions I would be able to transfer into. I was asked to resign. It's interesting that there were never any earlier discussions or warnings about those listed issues. Maybe the employee assistance should have been an option.

It's encouraging to read the other posts by other RNs regarding med errors and everyone has made them or they are lieing. Many of you are apparently still working your careers. I still feel the surge of that "sick" feeling you have described. Every job I've ever had before becoming a nurse I've always been at that job for several years and had an excellent work record with wonderful letters of reference. This is devastating. I was told this situation would not affect my license; it was not reportable to the Board of Nursing and was just an incident report. ???

Questions: I was told a form would be sent to me regarding referrences and HR would only be able to give the information that I had worked there so I could get another job. How do I explain this situation, or what do I say when job searching? How do you handle the interview? Since "asked" to resign, do I still send in a resignation letter? Where does a nurse go for advice and direction about the next step? What about the fear of going back into a hospital environment? Your advice or direction is greatly appreciated.

[oramar]

I tell you technically being asked to resign is not the same as being fired. You don't have to tell anyone that you left for any reasons but your own.

[leslie :-D]

You don't have to tell anyone that you left for any reasons but your own.

exactly.

you can tell any prospective employer that you quit r/t personal stressors/major upheaval in your life...

and would strongly suggest you do take time for yourself, to strengthen and heal.

wishing you the best of everything.:icon_hug:

leslie

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I would always use the good old "the unit was not a good fit for me", but I would not offer anything unless asked in an interview. In that case, try to be vague but avoid saying anything negative about the unit or hospital. If it is asked you can mention that your NM tried to help you find other positions at the hospital but they were unavailable, that might bear some weight.

I don't know if I would submit a letter of resignation. Part of me says yes, so that they cannot later say that they tried to fire you. But on the other hand, you do not want to make up some reason that you are resigning on your own. If you do write one, I would make it a one liner "As per our recent discussion, my resignation will be effective immediately".

[lolalolacherrycola]

Is there a specific place a nurse can check in to for advice, wisdom, direction after a med error disaster? I've had a tremendous amount of stressful, and some devastating, circumstances in my life in the last few months and now I've made my first, and hopefully last major med error mistake and am now looking for a new job. The patient, thankfully, is fine; I had caught the error and preventative measures were implemented with constant assessments throughout the day even though the effects of the med didn't last long.

My supervisor worked with me and talked with me about different things. Unfortunately, some of the other things she visited with me at that moment were regarding complaints by other staff members. She didn't say it, but to me it was obvious I was not fitting in and had felt that for some time before this moment. I could tell by issues mentioned that people were nice to my face but complained behind my back. These were events I witnessed them helping each other with. The supervisor says when she met with her supervisor about the situation that she tried to get me into another position in the facility so I could continue learning and pursuing my career with them. Due to the massive budget cuts many facilities are experiencing, she says she was told no, there were no other positions I would be able to transfer into. I was asked to resign. It's interesting that there were never any earlier discussions or warnings about those listed issues. Maybe the employee assistance should have been an option.

It's encouraging to read the other posts by other RNs regarding med errors and everyone has made them or they are lieing. Many of you are apparently still working your careers. I still feel the surge of that "sick" feeling you have described. Every job I've ever had before becoming a nurse I've always been at that job for several years and had an excellent work record with wonderful letters of reference. This is devastating. I was told this situation would not affect my license; it was not reportable to the Board of Nursing and was just an incident report. ???

Questions: I was told a form would be sent to me regarding referrences and HR would only be able to give the information that I had worked there so I could get another job. How do I explain this situation, or what do I say when job searching? How do you handle the interview? Since "asked" to resign, do I still send in a resignation letter? Where does a nurse go for advice and direction about the next step? What about the fear of going back into a hospital environment? Your advice or direction is greatly appreciated.

There are many things that nurses do that most won't admit to doing. Med errors are one of them. Usually you don't catch it right away and neither does anyone else. Don't be so hard on yourself. Nurses eat their young and you sound as if you didn't fit into the cliche and got the raw end of the deal. I am sorry this happened to you. I will have to think about how to answer your other questions; but yes, write a resignation letter. When you interview for another position "it wasn't a good fit but it was I learned alot and am thankful for the experience there is enough and move on to ask questions about the new position.