What would you do?

Published

I am an RN who had an incident happen a few years ago where I was wrongly accused of abuse during my shift. I was able to fight the accusation all the way up to the BON with the help of my lawyers and my coworkers. Although I was able to provide enough evidence that I did nothing wrong, they couldn't disprove the incident either since no cameras were available. I did get a letter from the BON stating that no disciplinary action was taken against my license. Unfortunately there is flag next to my license basically stating that I have a record even though nothing related to my case is stated since no action was taken.

My question should I even go back into nursing since this red flag is attached to my license? I had called the BON and they said that there was no way to have it removed since I had a conference with representatives of the board but no disciplinarily action was taken against me. I'm just afraid that no one will hired me and if I am lucky to get a job it will be a horrible job where the same thing could potentially happen again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

Honestly, since I have never been in your position I would see if I could pay for a background check on myself and go from there.

Maybe you will discover a plethora of information on the "flag" that would also be available to a prospective employer but maybe not.

My conscience is one of those "honesty is the best policy" but I wouldn't want to shoot myself in the foot either.

It wouldn't hurt to try but I would be thinking of what details I would be willing to disclose during an interview and details may change depending on what type of nursing position I was applying for...direct care...not direct care...etc.

Curious as to what others may advise. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am an RN who had an incident happen a few years ago where I was wrongly accused of abuse during my shift. I was able to fight the accusation all the way up to the BON with the help of my lawyers and my coworkers. Although I was able to provide enough evidence that I did nothing wrong, they couldn't disprove the incident either since no cameras were available. I did get a letter from the BON stating that no disciplinary action was taken against my license. Unfortunately there is flag next to my license basically stating that I have a record even though nothing related to my case is stated since no action was taken.

My question should I even go back into nursing since this red flag is attached to my license? I had called the BON and they said that there was no way to have it removed since I had a conference with representatives of the board but no disciplinarily action was taken against me. I'm just afraid that no one will hired me and if I am lucky to get a job it will be a horrible job where the same thing could potentially happen again.

Is your license still active? What are your alternatives? I assume you've been doing something besides nursing between now and then. And since you're worried about being accused of something, do you have some plan of how to prevent whatever occurred from occurring again? How long were you a nurse before the problem and how marketable would you be with your prior experience- even without the flag?

Those are a few things I would consider if it were me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There was a background check ran on me after the incident for an unrelated volunteer program with children I am involved with. It came back completely clear.

I hope you never do end up in this situation. It is resolved but the 14 months I had to deal with where a complete nightmare.

I plan to tell my future employers just enough without divulging too much information depending on the position and the people interviewing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My license is still active. I have taken the education classes necessary to keep my license current. I am lucky enough to have a supportive husband and I am staying at home with our children for the time being. However I do plan to start working again when our youngest starts pre-K next year. If I had to do over or prevent the incident, I should have asked for help or had an extra witness. I have to remember that I'm not super nurse and I can't do it all by myself, regardless of how short handed we often were. I was a nurse for over 5 years mostly nursing home experience with a couple years of hospital experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"I had called the BON and they said that there was no way to have it removed since I had a conference with representatives of the board but no disciplinarily action was taken against me."

Im usually not a litigious person, but this might be a time to see how a employment attorney might help you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So very sorry for your experience, however as long as you know you have nothing to be guilty of then at prospective interviews bring it up and reheorifice an excellent explanation and reiterate that no evidence exist after investigation and your name was cleared. Confidence is paramount and rehearsal a must.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did. I was lucky enough to have two lawyers representing me to the board. Unfortunately the flag next to my name is normal protocol for anyone who has a case with the board in my state. If I move and get my license in another state I would more than likely be clear completely, but that may not be a sure thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion