A fellow coworker was terminated last week. I was working alongside him that night, but didn't see it actually happen. My guess, and from what I have "unofficially" heard, is that he refused to take a random drug test. Honestly, that is the only thing I can even think of that would be dealth with in that manner in the middle of the night!
I really liked this nurse, and was under the impression that he was having some personal problems. I also know that other nurses on the floor did not like this person, and some had actually interviewed for his job as charge nurse (he was hired from the outside less than a year ago). He was always very nice and respectful of me, and always helped me when I needed it.
Anyway, I am having a hard time with this. This person did not appear to be impaired to me. Of course, that doesn't mean that he wasn't. So, if he was impaired on the job and refused the test, it was his own doing and maybe he can get some help for this. But I feel awful that I didn't notice and maybe could have done something (?) to prevent it. That means that my assessment skills are not so great
On the other hand, it's pretty awful if he wasn't impaired and was forced out - for whatever reason.
For now I'm just trying to sort out my feelings. I have thought about trying to contact this person but don't really think that's a good idea. I also think I better keep quiet about this at work.
I think you can only hurt yourself by talking about it at work. Whatever you say could get back to your boss and be perceived as criticism of the boss.
It's normal to feel badly for a friend, but he was not your patient. Therefore, your assessment skills are probably fine. You have only your impressions to go by, not real info, such as you might be given by a real patient.
Just count to 100 before calling him or saying anything. This, too, shall pass. That said, it's really up to you to figure out what the best thing to do would be. None of us know him or you, so we can't really help you much.
don't feel too badly for too long - he is an adult and made some choices and that's all.
I think you can only hurt yourself by talking about it at work. Whatever you say could get back to your boss and be perceived as criticism of the boss.
It's normal to feel badly for a friend, but he was not your patient. Therefore, your assessment skills are probably fine. You have only your impressions to go by, not real info, such as you might be given by a real patient.
Just count to 100 before calling him or saying anything. This, too, shall pass. That said, it's really up to you to figure out what the best thing to do would be. None of us know him or you, so we can't really help you much.
don't feel too badly for too long - he is an adult and made some choices and that's all.
Actually, y'all have helped me a lot. I appreciate all of the support and words of wisdom, I know there's really nothing I can do or should do, and just need some time to process it.
One of my favorite former co-workers was addicted- none of us had a clue. She was a great nurse. When someone needs the drug to function- they function :)
You don't know for sure that's it, do you? Why not call him and ask what's going on- all he can do is refuse to answer you (and that still doesn't 'confirm' ANYTHING). Offer some support, and let him know how much you liked working with him.
I would be concerned with my own behavior and doing what it takes to keep my own job.
Thanks for the advice, caliotter; nothing like stating the obvious
Sometimes things happen at work that leave you unsettled. I'm not trying to "fix" anyone or change anything. There really isn't anything to "do", anyway. Just having trouble dealing with my own emotions.
I really appreciate those who have been supportive.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
I think you can only hurt yourself by talking about it at work. Whatever you say could get back to your boss and be perceived as criticism of the boss.
It's normal to feel badly for a friend, but he was not your patient. Therefore, your assessment skills are probably fine. You have only your impressions to go by, not real info, such as you might be given by a real patient.
Just count to 100 before calling him or saying anything. This, too, shall pass. That said, it's really up to you to figure out what the best thing to do would be. None of us know him or you, so we can't really help you much.
don't feel too badly for too long - he is an adult and made some choices and that's all.