Wrong side for amputation(loss of license)

[Beldar_the_Cenobite]

I forgot who told me this story but they said that there was a story about an RN, who federally, lost their license after writing down the wrong side of the leg for the surgeons to amputate. The leg that wasn't supposed to get amputated was removed as well as the one that was supposed to. Huge lawsuit, RN lost their license nationwide. Is this true? Is it possible? I think she basically cannot ever work as an RN anywhere ever again. I just want to hear from the experts how serious this can get. My mom once told me, she's not an RN or doctor or any of that, that doctors are recommended to carry a special insurance for lawsuits that range from 1-2 million dollars in possible losses. I think I saw somewhere that nurses carry that as well?

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

There are many measures in place to prevent such things. Marking sites for surgery is just one---and it's done by the surgeon, NOT the nurse. Calling a "time out" with everyone in the OR suite be sure the right patient, right surgery, and right site are being considered before anyone touches the patient, is another. That this could never happen is not true, but we do everything in our power to ensure it doesn't.

Very true! although I worked with a doctor who would always make that disgusted sound(?)/roll his eyes when I would call for the time out. Too bad pal, its my job, and I would sometimes have to almost yell my intentions- this is so and so, and we are doing blank, do we all agree? But he would do that sound/look every time. Jerk.

one of the reasons I stopped working in that setting. Not losing my license cause of some jerk like that throwing a temper tantrum

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Ive had surgeries , and the doc would hand me the pen and have me initial the part on myself he was going to be working on.

I imagine if pt cant speak for themselves, they have a family member /advocate voicing for them?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

If you've got nothing nice to say, then don't say nothing at all. Simple. Easy. Common sense. If this post wasn't worth your time explaining to, other than expressing your feelings about the logic behind the OP past posts, withhold your negative judgement and frolic onto another post that you would feel is more intellectual and worthy of your time. Thank you.

Once you post, you don't get to specify who answers the post and what they say. Getting snarky about a post with which you disagree is a good indicator of lack of maturity.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I've had patients who wrote the word "NO" in black marker on the limb that is not supposed to be worked on. :) They've read these horror stories too.

[AlmostANurse321]

1. You can't "federally lose your license," because the license is granted by the state government. If someone told you that someone "federally" lost their license, the story is not true. There is no federal nursing license, and you cannot lose what you do not have.

2. If a nurse was marking body parts for surgery, that is likely outside of the nurse's scope of practice. However, I don't think the original post was about the finer details of a RN's scope of practice. If you're worried though, it's very simple. If the surgeon asks you to do something that is outside of your scope of practice, politely decline.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

It *can* happen... and has... to me.

After losing my Federal license, I crafted a new identity in order to continue practicing. It wasn't and isn't without pain and regret. Of course I had to change my name, move to a new state, and - most unfortunately - leave my spouse, children, and wonderful dog behind because we were inextricably linked. Through a complicated arrangement with several international financial institutions, I have made arrangements to permit my family to tap into my meager earnings.

I sometimes question whether it's all been worth it but, after all, nursing is my dreeeaaaam and my calling, so I've really had no choice.

This long path back into nursing, to pursue my calling, but with substantial personal sacrifice (as all true callings require) and limited options is why I'm now "KindaBack" rather than simply being "Back."

If only I had been paying more attention that day when they taught that Right and Left are defined from the patient's perspective (which, of course, I should have known because it is *all about the patient,* anyway).

Be careful out there... your license is never more than a minute away from being yanked.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

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[AlmostANurse321]

It *can* happen... and has... to me.

After losing my Federal license, I crafted a new identity in order to continue practicing. It wasn't and isn't without pain and regret. Of course I had to change my name, move to a new state, and - most unfortunately - leave my spouse, children, and wonderful dog behind because we were inextricably linked.

Two Things

1. I assume that you had to obtain a new federal license, so you had to attend federal nursing school all over again. Did you have to play dumb, lest your advanced documentation skills give you away.

2. Your comment wins.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I once heard a nurse threw out a kidney! Oh wait, that did happen.

Seriously though, from what I understand the nurse did not loose her license although she was devastated. Multiple steps of failure were documented and now I think there are stricter rules about what to do.

[sevensonnets]

My goodness, Kindaback, what did you DO to lose your federal license, wife, kids, AND THE DOG? I'm sure they miss you but I'm glad you didn't end up in the Federal Penitentiary to boot! You be careful out there too.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

My husband had an inguinal hernia repaired this summer and the doctor handed him the marker to mark which side.

Ive had surgeries , and the doc would hand me the pen and have me initial the part on myself he was going to be working on.

I imagine if pt cant speak for themselves, they have a family member /advocate voicing for them?

[klone, MSN, RN]

When I had a discectomy/laminectomy done, the physician asked me to state what side. I just kind of said "Uh...leftish?"