What to do when your great career hits a brick wall? Fired, possibly BON discipline.

[shylah1011, BSN, RN]

I have worked myself to death the last several years to get myself through a BSN program, earn my RN license, and recently got my CCRN. I have calculated my career 5 steps ahead and had thought that I was a great nurse even though I am always learning and thought my limitations were minimal and had no fear to ever be in trouble.

However, recently this was proven to be untrue. I was fired from my new job of 4 months for a medication error and incorrect charting of PRN medications. I will not go into the personal conflict I had at this place of employment. Even when, I was "reprimanded" for hugging a doctor. A doctor I was told was married. Yes, I knew he was married. He is married to my sister and the father of my nieces. I was told I showed too much clevage on two occasions: both after I was lifting and/or struggling with patients and my shirt had moved. I was told I shouldn't of gotten a day shift position right away and most recently I was told I didn't have enough experience to take the CCRN exam by co-workers. Needless to say, there is a bitter sweet feel to being fired. I had been miserable from day one.

Such a far cry from my other job I had left recently. I moved out of state to be closer to my mother while she had terminal cancer. I took this job because it was the highest bidder. I will never make that decision again.

But, irregardless this doesn't keep me from being responsiable for my own actions. I had given a patient hydrocodone instead of oxycodone. My arguement is he was on an acute pain protocol where it was at my choice to the med given. They say it wasn't. Then, I didn't chart them that day. I charted them in the wrong line. I did however chart them in the paper chart, in the flow sheet, where pain scores documented and assessed. Also, in the nursing notes.

Anyway, after cleared from drug diversion charges and substance abuse, I was fired and informed they were filing a complaint to the board.

This pretty much ruined everything I have worked so hard for. Not sure how I will get a job with a termination on file. Or, how I can get a job when there may or may not be an investigation against my license. I won't lie or even fudge my application a little so I know I am pretty screwed.

Anyone out there able to give advise for someone who is just an honest person trying to pick up the pieces. Anyone know of these sort of things happening to other people and what happened to them?

Thank you guys

[llg, PhD, RN]

1. First of all, I would get a lawyer to make sure that you are protected through any investigation and/or appearance before the Board of Nursing.

2. I would make sure that everything is well-documented -- not only for any investigations, etc. , but also to have thorough documentation of anything that might help your chances of being hired in the future.

3. Should you be officially cleared by the investigations of the Board, I would present that official paperwork along with any future job applications you make. In other words, say in effect "See? I was unjustly accused by my former employer. They are the bad guys, not me."

4. Have recommendations, etc. from your previous jobs ready to show to perspective employers.

You seem to be assuming -- or at least acting as if the charges against you are true and just and that you will be found "guilty" by the board. You need to be prepared to be found "not guilty" and t be ready to pick up the pieces so that you can move on. Gather yourself together, along with the evidence and be prepared to show it to your next prospective employer so that they can see that you are blameless and deserve a chance to get on with your career.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Best of luck to you. Unfortunately advice of this nature is not something we at Allnurses provide. Hang in there.