When will I know I'm investigated?

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So I really messed up. And when I said that, I mean I screwed up royally. Its only been a day after the incident (I know it'll give more background but I don't want to go into it) but I'm expecting to get fired and with good possibility lose my licence. This isn't over reaction either, I know that these are very likely outcomes of my actions. One thing I wanted to ask the nursing community is; when will I know whether I am being investigated either by the hospital committee or the nursing board?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Do you have ?

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Specializes in Urology, HH, med/Surg.

It's truly difficult to answer your question without more information. Just general info would help (eg: med diversion, med error, was there a pt injury/bad outcome, etc)

Usually the way it would work would be a call from your nursing mgr instructing you to come to their office instead of showing up for your next shift. They'll discuss the issue & tell you what they're going to do as far as investigate &/or turn it in to the BON. The BON usually sends notifications by mail.

Have you considered initiating contact with your manager to possibly take responsibility & mitigate damage? Depending on what happened, that may be a valid option- but it's difficult to know without any information.

Good luck

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Hopefully you have . If it is as bad as your the vibe your giving off then losing your license may be the least of your worries. Contact your malpractice insurance and get the ball rolling. If circumstances justify it they will get you a lawyer that specializes in medical issues. Be 100% honest with them and let them help you, that's what your premiums paid for!

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

To with what others have said, without any knowledge whatsoever of what type of incident this is, there is no way to know how/when and investigation will take place...

I agree that talking with your NM could help to limit the damage. Again, really difficult to say without knowing even minimal information about what happened.

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Do not post any information related to the situation here. Do not make a statement to the BON and only speak with the BON with your lawyer present. And if I haven't made it clear, lawyer up.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Notification process will depend on your own BON's policies and procedures. In Tx, you'd get a (registered) letter notifying you of any serious violation and subsequent requirements/actions that will be taken. There is a strict 'due process' requirement to make sure that nurses have time to prepare themselves accordingly. They are informed of all options - e.g., accepting a Consent Order or appearing at an actual Board hearing.

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OP, I am sorry that this happened. As others have noted, call your company, your union rep (if you are union) and they can sometimes help you with an attorney, or find an attorney that is familiar with nursing issues.

But for the grace of all that is true go each of us. Find professional emotional support for yourself as well.

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The true be told the incident is already under investigation if the facility is reputable. The facts have to found and causation establish before you are fired and sent to the BON. Be honest and get representation.

We are all human and mistakes happen. Try to find a way to take care of youself in the now.

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If you messed up bad enough to be expecting to lose your license to practice then you can bet your butt that you are already being investigated, the incident is being investigated, and you should be getting prepared to defend yourself to the board of nursing and in court. and don't post anything about the incident online unless you want it dragged out and used against you.

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Specializes in NICU/Telephone Triage.

the hospital will let you know before the board of nursing. In my state, I know of someone who did something 2 years ago and the BRN is just now investigating. Things take awhile when it comes to the board. This is just my experience though.

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Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

Well you may not know. Also Investigations usually take weeks or even months. If I were you I would try and resign and hope they accept it, won't save you from what comes of the investigation but it may save you from having to explain a termination at any point. Good luck.

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