Will I lose my license over this fraudulent documentation?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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So I want to know if what I did could result in me loosing my license.

I had 50 pts and accidentally charted that I gave an antibiotic and eye drop when I didn't , I noticed it right away but thought it's fine I'll get back to that later since he had meds due later anyways. I continued on with my shift late on everything. The family member appears angry and asked if I gave the meds I just said yes as I was confused once I saw the pt I realized I hadn't yet. The family member informed me there's a camera in the room that shows I didn't. I apologized and gave the meds. He has since reported me and I'm wondering if this will result in further action ? How screwed am I? I did go back and fix the charting so the time would be accurate. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

This is serious, as I know you understand now.

If you're lucky, you could just be disciplined or lose your job. If this is reported to an overseeing agency, such as a complaint to the Department of Health, an investigation may lead to a complaint to the Board of Nursing. Or the family or the facility could make a complaint against you directly to the Board.

Your version of events does not ring true as you have to scan the patient's armband and the eyedrops, and the antibiotic, which is not accidental, and then you were untruthful with the family. I'm saying this because the Board of Nursing looks for accountability and remorse when (if) your case is evaluated. 

It is best to be transparent, trust me. The family is probably as angered by your covering up as by the omission of meds.

Having said that, I'm sorry you are in this situation. I believe that having 50 patients leads to these kinds of outcomes. Meds are not given, wounds are not dressed, nurses scramble to complete tasks.

You will have to wait to see if the Board of Nursing was contacted. If so, they will contact you. You may consider getting an attorney to represent you. Be sure to get one that is experienced with nursing issues, from The American Association of Nursing Attorneys.

I know this is highly stressful, and this, too, shall pass. One day it will be in your rearview window. I hope you learn from this, and I wish you the best.

Nurse Beth

Read How to Write a Letter of Explanation to the Board

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