Suspended without pay

Trauma Columnist · May 13, 2011

These are not questions we can answer.

We urge you to contact an attorney who is experienced in administrative law.

jackstem · May 17, 2011

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

You really need to at least consult with one before moving forward. Remember your Miranda rights!

she71 · Jun 20, 2011

Hi. I am a nurse in Florida. I read through these questions and concerns from other nurses quite often. I recently began to "log in" and reply.

You described yourself as "messed up" at work. The medications you were on are narcotic and even with a script, you were "messed up". How long do you feel a company should pay you? And is it unreasonable for a company to suspend you. You put the company and others around you at risk the day you showed up at work "messed up". Lets be real about this. I'm sorry if this is not the response you would like to get.

all_over_again · Jun 20, 2011

She71, I didn't get that she was looking for a certain type of reply... Just that she was afraid and wondering what was around the corner. Most nurses start using for a reason. My guess is that depression, anxiety and burnout are the the top of the list. Why make it worse by being obtuse? You can dispense facts without judgemental overtones. AOA

catmom1, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Since the original post was from over one month ago, I doubt the original poster saw the response from she71, which is probably a good thing. I suspect the OP will be in for a lot more judgmental treatment like this in the future.

Ariel123 · Jun 21, 2011

I saw it,and I get it.Thanks for everyones advice

she71 · Jun 21, 2011

Not judging at all. Just re-visiting her description of "messed-up" that day. Sometimes it takes an outside source to make you think. Im sorry she has to address the consequences of suspention at work, unfortunately her hands are tied about it no matter what she does her suspension is based on the employers perception of the event. Thats all. Not Personal At All.

she71 · Jun 21, 2011

This was hardly judgemental treatment. The truth of the matter is that she could describe herself as "messed-up". Now that she sees it for herself its time to take charge and make changes regardless of a suspension. The suspension has happened and there is nothing that will change that.

she71 · Jun 21, 2011

Ariel, for you to feel as though you are being judged was not my intention. Please don't. I simply wanted to bring to your attention that what has happened is what one can expect if coming to work that way, in any business or career, the response would be similar. Healthcare is not an easy field and the expectations of us are high as well as the consequences very heavy. Good luck and good health.

nola1202 · Jun 22, 2011

I'm thinking of you and hope you are doing well. God Bless you, I do think Addiction is a disease, not a character defect and I know you have the strength to get through this. An update some day would be nice if it doesn't mess up your case. As someone has pointed out, these websites can be used in a court of law.

Persephone001 · Jun 24, 2011

Seriously? I mean SERIOUSLY!!!??? A nurse admits that she showed up at work "messed up" on narcotics from a prescription "from a year ago" which is most likely expired and there are actually people on here defending her and scolding others from "judging" her? I for one thought someone was playing a joke and cannot believe that the original poster has the gall to even ask what's going to happen to her. She is obviously extermely ignorant. I'll tell you what is going to happen as you have probably already found out...without a doubt YOU WILL BE FIRED. And you should count yourself lucky that a patient doesn't sue you and that you do not loose your license or get labled as a drug user. And don't bother trying to get a lawyer they will laugh you right out the door if you come in saying what you told us.

And for one of the other posters who said something along the lines that she must have been having a hard time with "burnout" and is compensating with drugs? Guess what time to quit before you get sued and get yourself to a rehab facility you have a serious problem.