Terrible write-up, can I survive?

allnurses Guide · Feb 17, 2015

Without details it is hard to say. The fact that you were written up and not fired alone says it isn't the death of your career. Put in your time, keep your head down and after six months goes by, transfer out. If you can't wait that long then start sending out resumes.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2015

If it involves direct patient care, or is board reportable, call your malpractice insurance for legal advice.

If this is some other kind of alleged misconduct, find out if there are any other supporting witnesses or documentation.

You can ask to read and copy your personnel file. Fighting this could be very stressful. Why work with these people and in that kind of atmosphere? You don't need that. It's not worth it.

A fresh start, or a travel contract, might be a good idea. Finally do not post anything else here. HR has bots that scan social media for posts and tweets related to their hospital.

MatrixRn · Feb 17, 2015

It it hard to say without knowing the story, but that said that does not mean you should share your story here, however here are a few things to think about.

Sometimes things happen and folks get written up, and it sounds like policy was followed as you were able to write a rebuttal. What you really need to know now is what are the next steps for you.

Is this the end or is there a planned retraining for you? If the former, than the write up just goes in your record; if so no big worries. It may possibly impact you on your next yearly evaluation. Your manager would look for any repeat issues around that topic to document.

If none happen in a decent time frame, like 3 months, then put in for a transfer if you still feel as you do. [i had a write up in my record and 3 months later transferred to the Unit.]

If it is the latter, you complete the training. It will be tracked. They will make comments in your record about your improvement and then you will also get an opportunity to make statements. Some folks see that as a hugely bad thing, but if you stay in the same system, it shows other managers that you are beyond whatever it was....so they will take you on their floor....You can then explain that you were not involved in the act.

As to this "HR told me that after this, it will be virtually impossible to transfer" I will let others chime in on this phrase. Did you ask he if you could transfer and this was her reply or did she offer this on her own? Typically HR does not give out punishment, nor should they imply that your punishment for this act would continue indefinitely.

danielle2000, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2015

This is my motto!!! If you lose your job so be it, you have still have your license. But, if you lose your license, you do not have to worry about transferring you will lose your livelihood! I am not saying quit your job but whatever was done do not let this reflect on you as a person. There are two sides there is your side their side and the truth. If you can never transfer then look for employment in the area you are interested in and when you find it give them a two week notice. You will save face and keep it moving!!!! Do not ever let a job place you at their mercy!!!! You are a RN remember that.

mammykats · Feb 18, 2015

I feel so much better after reading these replies. I don't know what's going to happen but I will take this as a learning experience.

danielle2000, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2015

Mammykats I wish you the very best. Don't let them dictate your future!!!! You will be okay :-)

Safety Coach RN · Feb 18, 2015

Hi, I'm new as a member but I have read postings on this site for a few years. I have been a nurse for 4 years. I have never been in trouble. I was written up last week for something I absolutely did not do, but it is really bad and is now in my record. I do not want to work on this floor any longer but HR told me that after this, it will be virtually impossible to transfer. I did write a rebuttal but I have no idea what to do. Has anyone else survived something like this? I'm being vague, I know, because I don't know if anyone at work would read this. Thank you.

Well, no one else can weigh out how important this issue is to you. I will post that If I got written up for something I didn't do, I would run it up the chain of command/grievance process as far as it'll go until I reach resolution, if only for principle.

The key is the evidence they're using to write you up with. If it's heresay from another co-worker, I'd definitely pursue it. If they have actual physical evidence of wrong doing, which they shouldn't have if you didn't do it but anything is possible I guess.....I'd look for another job.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Feb 18, 2015

If you can prove that it is something you did not do is the question. I would speak with your malpractice carrier. If you have a union, speak with your union rep.

I do not know the details, however, I would talk about an "improvement plan" and in it, ask how this could be avoided in the future--meaning if this is something you were "trained" to do to save time--cut corners--do because the sheer number of patients that you have are impossible--that type of thing, it needs to be discussed on how it can be avoided. Not that there will be a "ding, ding, ding" we need more staff moment, however, it is perhaps something that you did not know was to be done differently.

Then, I do just need to throw it out there--it is quite possible that with even 4 years in, you are the more senior of the nurses. That you started when regular pay raises were the norm, therefore, you are one of the more higher paid nurses. Plus, you perhaps started when this whole "scripting" and customer service model was not quite a thing like it is now. That means that to begin a process of "catching" you tripping up, seeking out ways to write you up, or otherwise making your job challenging in hopes that when you leave--either by your own or their choice--they can hire 2 of you for what they are paying you, and create them to be how they want them to be, with no pre-conceived practice ideals.

I would start looking around, see if there's other jobs in your area. That way, you could resign on your own terms as opposed to being let go--but seasoned nurses being let go for vague, odd, or just downright nutty reasons seems to be the norm as of late.

Best wishes, and let us know how it goes!