clear license but terminated

[chub]

Hello all,
I have visited this forum many times while I was on probation. I was released from probation in Dec 2008. I got the dream job of my life and was so happy. Last week an incident occurred that has me spinning. A pt requested meds, I took them in after scanning them and the pt's bracelet. I put the meds and the scanner down on the table as I was helping the pt. I ended up leaving the room without the pt taking the meds although I didn't realize this. After my shift I am called and told that I charted the meds as given but the pt states she didn't take them. The nurse tells me that the non-narcotic was found on the table but not the narcotic. There was another person in the room and I'm freaking out because I think they might have taken the med. I called the pt and tried to gently suggest that she let the nurse know that the med may have been taken by the other person. The pt gets mad and states she is not going to lie for me and hangs up. Next call I get is that I'm terminated!! No chance to speak with the manager or explain my thoughts. I'm now just waiting for the letter from the board as I'm sure they've reported me. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I should do. I didn't take the meds. When I was I admitted it, but now I'm assumed quilty. I am so devastated. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[RNCMSN]

This is a tough one and I feel for you. I'm sure you realize your first mistake is not to actually observe the pt. taking the meds so I won't belabor that point. Second mistake was contacting the pt. and making the suggestion. Personally, I think you should very humbly and politely request to speak to your manager or someone in HR so that you can present your side. Acknowledge that you realize the mistakes you made. If this does go to the board then you can appeal through them. Keep a low profile for now. Your best hope is that it doesn't go to the board and you can seek employment elsewhere. By speaking to HR you can at best hope that your termination is based on not following protocol vs. an accusation of stealing narcotics. Best wishes.

[chub]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I did attempt to speak with the manager and HR but they did not return my calls. I was on a travel assignment and my recruiter was the only contact that I've had. She told me that the contract was terminated and if the hospital requested that the agency report to the board that they would have to but a few days later she told me that the hospital didn't request the report. At first I was relieved but I'm pretty sure that the hospital will do it on their own.

[dlf2007]

I had a sort-of similar experience several years ago with agency. I had diverted from a facility which I was assigned to work. The facility told the agency, the agency told me that it could be reported to the BON if the facility wanted to pursue it. End result: the facility didn't report it, the agency didn't report it.

[hppygr8ful]

Did you immediatly volunteer yourself for a drug test? IF they declined you I woud have gone and had one at my own expense.

HPPY

[RNCMSN]

You're very welcome.
So forget it. Your contract is done. They will not reinstate you. What you need to find out is how you stand with your company now. Write a letter, a very carefully, well thought out letter of the series of events, say the things that you would have said had you had the oppty to speak to HR or the nurse mgr. Make sure your thoughts are clear and factual, not emotional. You will want this placed in your file. Find out from your company if you are now on some type of probation etc. You don't want to go on another assignment and then have the slightest thing go wrong and find out your company will be done with you, label you as unrehireable.

Wait to see if anything happens with the board, but just remember CYA.
No one is going to stand up for you but you.
all the best.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I did attempt to speak with the manager and HR but they did not return my calls. I was on a travel assignment and my recruiter was the only contact that I've had. She told me that the contract was terminated and if the hospital requested that the agency report to the board that they would have to but a few days later she told me that the hospital didn't request the report. At first I was relieved but I'm pretty sure that the hospital will do it on their own.

[chub]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies and advice. I'm still trying to get a new job and so far I've not been contacted by the board but they have 60 days to respond to a complaint so I don't know yet where I stand with them. I was not given a chance to submit to a drug test and my company has terminated my relationship with them. I'm trying to stay upbeat but it's not easy. I've interviewed for a job that would not involve dispensing meds and I'd love it if they chose me. I'm supposed to hear today. It sure would be nice to have an established job. Again, thanks for your support, it is greatly appreciated.

[chub]

Well, I got the letter from the board today. I'm just devastated. I just don't know if I can deal with going through all this again. I feel like I'd prefer to work in a different area as even a misunderstanding has resulted in this. Even if the board dismisses this complaint I'm concerned about having to handle meds at all.