fired or resign

[krzldy1949]

Hello! I have been a hospice nurse for 13 years (nurse for 27yrs) with the same company. Recently, had a new physician filling in who is very very strict with medication orders. As a practice, have been able to order pain medication ex q4 prn to q4 while awake - without separate order. Do you find this strange or wrong? First time ever problem and have been asked to resign for practice outside nursing license. Comments, please. Thanks,

[krzldy1949]

someone please reply as indeed I was fired and then was told I could resign to "protect my license" but have not written letter of resignation. Any comments? please....

[ccmeeker]

I do not work in hospice but do know that in the hospital setting we are very strict about written orders for narcotics or any controlled substance. I work in the ED and we recently were informed that telephone orders are only to be used in the case of an emergency. We are being audited by the Department of Public Health. Have you had any nurses who divert medications that you know of for their own use? If the hospital is investigating you for possible diversion of controlled substances you need a lawyer who specializes in nursing cases. I would encourage you to find one and keep track of all communication between you and anyone from the hospital. Good luck.

[FamiliesProsper]

Definately this is outrageous! I'm so sorry. I have MN in oncology and can't believe the mindset of a physician with such rigid ways - in fact he's changing the rules mid-stream! You've been doing the same for 13yrs without any problem. You may want a Legal Lawyer to exame before you make a decision. Maybe request LOA??? KEEP POSTING!

[jayne1975]

I would speak to a nurse attorney or an attorney in your state who is familiar with nursing practice and ask what their recommendation is before you do anything. Since you've already been terminated for cause, I would also make sure that you make your board of nursing aware of the situation as soon as possible as you have to disclose any disciplinary action you've received prior to renewing your license.

[NURSEDETROIT]

First/foremost any policies and procedures governing the administration/dosing of medications should be clearly spelled out. Then, management needs to enforce the P/P employed as written; not make up ones to suit their own immediate needs; or find ways to skirt around those that do exist; or create P/P after the fact in attempt to cover their behinds. . . Problems occur when there is a lack of transparency, adherence to, and clarity for all those affected; nurses and doctors alike.

If the claim was made that something was done incorrectly, you should be and have the right to be made aware of exactly what it was alleged that was done incorrectly. How else are you to properly answer for it if you are not made aware of all the facts and circumstances involved? Demand the documentation and then seek legal assistance/counsel.

[BILL_I]

krzldy1949, I hope this is not too late. If I were in your shoe, I would find a Labor Attorney right away. She hopefully will be able to represent you. And you also need to file for unemployment compensation from the Department of Employment Security. Your Attorney will help you in dealing with the Department of Employment Security if your unemployment claim is denied and maybe with your State Board of Nursing if your license is in jeopardy.
It sounds like this "filing-in MD" was unwilling to reason.