Termination

[FutureERDoc]

So, I am actually an ER technician and was recently terminated for suturing a patient. I was under the supervision of the MD, but still terminated for practising outside of my job scope. I actually wasn't aware of the possibility of me getting fired over it, and simply took it as something new to learn. I have seen all over the internet that many ER technicians are able to do basic sutures, but not able to find out much information beyond that. The job scope set in place at my former hospital was very ambiguous and I am currently trying to get my job back. I miss the nurses and the doctors that I worked with and truly don't think I deserved the termination, especially since I was directly supervised by the ER doc.

Any insight given would be truly appreciated... Am I doomed or are there certain things I should know that would help me get my job back? It may even seem dumb that I am fighting for such a job, but I really enjoyed helping people and I really think that my time in the ER so far has helped me become a better person. I have two bachelor's degrees, and I am going to medical school next year, and I really want my job back, a job that only requires a semester at a junior college. Why? I miss it...

[FutureERDoc]

Well, actually, I didn't tell anyone about the procedure. One of the other ER techs walked in and saw me doing some sutures and she alerted the ER manager. This same tech once handed her badge to the ER director and walked out on the job, but they gave her her job back.

And, no, I don't think that I will bring up the fact that others have done procedures outside their scope either. If there is a chance of me getting my job back, it will have to rely on my job performance and qualities.

The doctor who allowed me to assist in the suturing is an amazing doctor; truly a gift! She is nice to everyone and genuinely cares about her patients. She was quite distraught that I was terminated.

The biggest thing that I have to worry about is the actual procedure itself. The physicians that I talk to laugh at how "over the top" this case has become, and are amazed that they fired me, they boastfully state, "Because you sutured???" Nurses on the other hand seem to have this idea that I performed brain surgery. I am allowed to bring a few character witnesses, so I hope that helps. My mentor, the charge RN, says he has my back. I say he's my mentor because he has taught me more about becoming a doctor than the doctors have, haha.

[oncrnpa]

From what you have written you seem not to acknowlege the significance of the legal tar pit which you have potentially placed the hospital in. Your review is not about the actions of others its about you.

As a potential person your panel given what you have posted especially the last statement I would NOT allow you to get your job back as the hospital is being used as your stepping stone to your MD/DO role and as such your continued employment and access to other opportunities "to learn" given the questionable judgement you are showing by not acknowleging the seriousness of the situation creates too much liability to the hospital.

You are better off balancing your approach to the review panel with support of your peers and remorse/groveling to demonstrate your willingness learn from this and not be in this position again.

[KirbyEMT]

If you're good friends with the Doc, call him up and see if he is willing to submit a letter to the supervisors.

[KirbyEMT]

I think you're biggest card is the supervision of the MD. Technically, its not an EMT-B skill, so being a medical procedure, you really have to play off the fact that the MD permitted and signed off on it. (hopefully did)

[BellaInBlueScrubsRN]

BIG no-no! I know a tech that got fired as well for performing out of his scope of practice. As an RN, I would never dream of suturing anything, so the fact that (sorry) you have no certification or licensure in the medical field... its kinda scary what you are saying! Hopefully it was a HUGE learning experience. And while it might not be "brain surgery" probably these nurses know how big of a deal it was. Even if you think its nothing. Kinda sounds like you aren't taking it seriously enough. Its a medical procedure! The only thing I can think that might save you, like the others said, is the MD. However, thats like saying "But so-and-so told me I could do it!" Pick up, learn, and move on I think!

[FutureERDoc]

From what you have written you seem not to acknowlege the significance of the legal tar pit which you have potentially placed the hospital in. Your review is not about the actions of others its about you.

As a potential person your panel given what you have posted especially the last statement I would NOT allow you to get your job back as the hospital is being used as your stepping stone to your MD/DO role and as such your continued employment and access to other opportunities "to learn" given the questionable judgement you are showing by not acknowleging the seriousness of the situation creates too much liability to the hospital.

You are better off balancing your approach to the review panel with support of your peers and remorse/groveling to demonstrate your willingness learn from this and not be in this position again.

At the time of the incident; I truly didn't believe that I was doing anything wrong, but after being terminated for it, I quickly realized the 'legal' aspect of what I did. I am aware that I am not an MD yet, and I am also aware that I have had no previous training in such procedures.

Would I do it again if I got my job back? Certainly NOT! My learning would definitely be more passive and I wouldn't practice outside my scope again. I'll stick to IVs and EKGs.

[Batman25]

This isn't as good a doctor as you think. They allowed an uneducated and untrained employee to suture a patient. That's unacceptable. The patient is paying for their doctor to suture them not you. Not only did it cost you your job but it could have resulted in a huge legal liability to the hospital should the patient have sued.

I don't feel you nor the doctor had ill intentions here and my gut tells me the doctor didn't mean to jam you up in any way, but they along with you should have known it was wrong. They knew their job was to suture and you need to know your scope to protect your job better in the future.

I do think you might get your job back here. Keep it really short and really sweet. Don't babble on and on or make excuses. A simple, "I was wrong, I know better, and won't do it again. I'm sorry." Keep it to that and I think you have a shot. Good luck and keep us posted. I'd like to know how this turns out.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

The OP was taught a procedure that was unauthorized and as a result was terminated, is the OP soley responsible in this case? I don't think so, IMO this type of scapegoating does not improve the staff's knowledge about delegating controlled acts, it just intimidates people. Hopefully, after the hearing, the members of the panel will come to a better decision than termination, one where everyone involved learns and no one is blamed.

regards

dishes

[FutureERDoc]

Well the reaming and the disapproval of my action that I have received on this site has actually been beneficial. I certainly won't do it again or any other procedure until I am in medical school; I start in a year.

I do agree that my best chance is to express remorse and to keep it simple. And that is what I will do. Thanks for the suggestions and comments, and I will be sure to keep you all posted as to what happens.

I know I could go elsewhere and work, but the bond that I have with the nurses and physicians at work is worth fighting for. Working with people that you truly enjoy being around is a reward all in itself.

[scoochy]

Take a big bite of a piece of "humble pie" before you go before the panel.............

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Take a big bite of a piece of "humble pie" before you go before the panel.............

I agree with u, scoochy. I haven't been called in about something like this, but in the past when I was being questioned about a task or error, ect, I have learned that it is a lot less painful if I go in with the humble attitude instead of "...well, --- did this and --- did the same thing I did and didn't get in trouble."

My dh is a nursing manager, and he saus in respect to this type of thing, he does appreciate the employee not just making excuses about why he/she shouldn't be in trouble, ot who else had done this, and the job description is the same.

Anne, RNC