Unsure what to do

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Hello,

i have been a RN for 4 years. I recently relocated to another state where I worked in the ER. One week I worked 5 days in a row and was instructed by severa staff members to go to an empty room in minor care where they placed an IV in me. My charge nurse even recommended I lay down and get some rest. I told her I didn't need to lay down but I received IV fluid and continued at work. Two weeks later my director called me in and stated she received a report that I was sleep for 2 hours , was tired and needed an IV because I consumed too much alcohol the night before and eventually I was terminated. I never went to sleep and I never said I was drank alcohol the day before. I worked an entire 12 hour shift and unfortunately fired because of the situation. 30 days later I received a letter in the mail stating a complaint was filed from my former employee for stealing IV fluids , sleeping on the job , and possible impairment. I feel as if I have been fasely accused. Has anyone ever delt with this situation before and what should I expect ? I have never been fired from a job or been in any trouble before. My license still has not been flagged and was encouraged by the board rep to continue school and work I am currently in a MSN education class. Any advice ? What to do ? What to expect ?

Just wanted to let everyone know I hired a lawyer and met with the board and both determined I have been wrongly terminated. The person who started the IV went to our assistant manager and told her an extremely exaggerated story of what happened like literally. Everyone else who was there that day agreed with my story of events and the essentially couldn't even address me being impaired or asleep because I would have had to be drug and alcohol tested immediately and I would have been fired in the sootnif sleeping. No action is going to taken on my license and I got lectured more than anything about the event I did not violate any of the nurse practice act but imnhapoy this situation is over with. My investigation was complete in 3 days and my meeting with the board lasted 30 minuets

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Ok, I'm extremely curious about this. Over a year sho, I had a mental break while at work and locked myself in the bathroom several times per shift. I was never impaired and never approached by Anyone regarding diversion, or anything else for that matter. I actually got a letter about 3 mo after I quit the job voluntarily, as my therapist had advised. I've worked from home since. Anyway, I thought it was all over with because I haven't heard anything for a teaser and, today, I received a letter in the mail saying my case was transferred to a different investigator. I STILL don't know exact allegations except that I am being investigated for diversion. I'm so scared!

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

OP,

I'm so happy, that you were able to have the truth come out and a positive outcome.

Nurse grad,

the letter you received was from the BON in your state? (sort of assuming, which I hate to do). I am also assuming that a colleague of yours took notice of your disappearance from the floor for large chunks of time. Of folks that do divert I've heard absolutely horror stories about healthcare providers (Doctors, pharmacy etc) that are found passed out on bathroom floor after using the diverted substances while at work. So, if the nurse/nurses, other team members noticed you being hard to find on a fairly consistent basis. And then noticed mentally you aren't as sharp as usual, etc (due to your mental health problems at that time). I could see how one would assume diversion is going on and somebody runs to management...

Did you ever speak with the investigator? (either the old one or current). If they're investigating you for suspected diversion, the accusations & medication issues (narc count always wrong) would be lacking as evidence, with what you've said thus far. And without evidence, they can't prove anything (unless somebody blatantly lies to the BON or really has it out for you & wanted you gone. The fact they just informed you of a different investigator taking charge of you file, could be standard, when staff changes. And then they mail out 600 letters to everybody who was with the first person. This change of staff could also explain the significant delay. Even so, BON's move like molasses in winter. The world will stop spinning and only start up again, when the BON gives the word.

Have you consulted with an attorney, specializing with the board of nursing experiences. Most do a 15 minutes phone consult for free. Certainly doesn't hurt to ask around. I certainly wouldn't want to speakk with BON or investigator without an attorney.

Link to American Association of Nursing Law Attorneys:

TAANA Executive Office - Home

Best of luck, if you do get an attorney and an investigation is going on, do not post about it online.

One step at a time :)

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Crazin01,

No, the narc count was never off and I never gave any meds without a signed order. The supervisor didn't like me, that was no secret. And yes, you're correct, it was the BON that contacted me. All I received was a letter. I tried to call them several times and only once spoke with the investigator who only told me I was being investigated for diversion, nothing else. The day i was actually disassociating at work was my last day there. I went into a partial inpatient therapy program and, because of PTSD and what i told them happened, they strongly advised me not to return because the symptoms would likely worsen. So, I wad never confronted or even asked any questions. In fact, when I told my supervisor I was concerned for my own well-being, she asked me why I wasn't going to that hospital to be evaluated. I told her i didn't feel comfortable because I didn't want anyone knowing my psych issues. Her response... "Well isn't that convenient."

What did you mean when you said if there's any investigation going on not to discuss it online? As in, what I'm doing now? I did decide, if they want to talk to me, I won't do it without a lawyer. I've read some horror stories! Thank you so much for your response! I don't see how there could be any evidence accept for me not being on the floor all of the time. I just hid and cried a lot. Is there much of a chance for me to get out of this once the BON is involved? I've been working from home since, scared to go back to a hospital setting because I don't want to be accused of anything. I recently started working PRN at an LTAC but I'm thinking maybe even that is a bad idea. I'm just so confused with all of this!

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

sounds like your previous manager was just,...not nice (don't wanna use bad words)

Isn't that convenient??? who the heck says THAT!?!?!??. (How many times have we all been reluctant to go get medical care, when everybody knows you and soon, everybody through the hospital knows...)

And yes, I meant about discussing here. Even if you're vague about it, still risky. If any old Joe can find it online, so can prosecution, old manager, ole colleagues, etc. I have a few more questions, but don't want to ask them & keep bringing it up. (I don't think you can do private message yet, I think it's 15 posts before that's available).

Sorry to not help. I'm curious how this may go...

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Can I private message you? I'd like to hear more. Should I delete my posts?

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