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I got put on administrative leave. I went above a docs head and got a patient the needed tests that should have been done in the first place. the doc refused to listen to the nurse and me so i got the patient what was needed. the patient is now at a better place getting care.. i was right. the patient fell broke ribs and punctured his liver. and is bleeding out into his abdominal cavity. He could have died if it went on any longer. i am getting in trouble because i went beyond my scope of practice. Well we work for the patients. I could get fired. i get to go and be interviewed all day Monday.

I'm sorry this has happened, but good for you for watching out for that patient. I'll pray that everything works out for you.

(((hugs)))

My training took over, something was not right. I knew he broke ribs and had a possible bleed. His vitals dropped through out the day and his activity level was the same. His abdomen swelled. did the doc get put on leave doubt it

At the end of the day the only person we have to live with is ourselves. For me that means doing the 'right thing', even when the 'right' thing is not popular and/or involves possible personal repercussions.

I am going through a politically motivated groundless harassment case amongst senior management at work. Its not against me but because I spoke the truth and put myself forward I am likely to be fired. What will be will be.

I sleep soundly at night, I have no regrets doing and saying what I did. What I said and did was the truth. If I am to be punished for that then this employer is not someone I want to work for.

To me integrity is everything. Good for you for doing what was right. Hopefully you can take comfort in the thought that even though you might face repercussions, the patient is doing well now and it is because of you and your strength of character.

Advice on the interview - don't offer more information than what is asked. Stick to the questions.

(((eyenight))), I am sorry you have been put on leave for doing the right thing. Doesn't make sense. But you likely saved someone's life. What's more important? Hoping this all works out in your favor.

Also I don't know about the laws in your country but in Australia you are allowed to have a support person (cant be your lawyer though). I strongly suggest that you make yourself aware of your rights (if you don't already know them) and be prepared.

One of the worst things you can do is be unprepared. This is your job, livelihood and professional reputation. Know your rights.

If you cant have a support person start journaling everything you can recall and keep up with it as a record.

Sadly unethical employers often go to great lengths to remove people for personal reasons (eg you defied the doctor). Often the only record is a diary/journal.

Again I am not sure of the laws in your country but in Australia documenting means a lot when it comes to an unfair dismissal suit. It also helps when the employer cant 'get rid' of you and turns it into a harassment and bullying issue to try and force you to resign.

Strength to you for Monday eyenight

I should be fine as this was going on i turned in the doc behand. i contacted a lawyer right after i was put on leave. The shifts already wrote statements and there is documents stating everything. The docs fault. is clearly. Im not worried just stessed. the nurse i was working with is coming with we as well as my manager and a co worker who knows th.s man's family told his family and they are coming. the family is well known in this town so I'm good

[This message edited by eyenight at 8:33 PM, November 15th (Friday)]

As a physician myself I'll tell you that you did the right thing. That doctor should be grateful you saved his ass. My mantra: Patient care always comes first!

I'm not in the medical field but it seems logical that the end goal should always be most important - great job eye night. I'm sure the family will be grateful for your intervention.

Thank you for standing up for what is right. The world needs people with your strength and integrity.

Good for you for taking the risk and doing what you know was right. You probably saved the patient's life. I hope you get through this OK and the board or whoever recognizes your actions and commends you for them.

Can you report the doctor to the medical board?

I'm not fired. The investigation is over and i go back to work Monday ! The doc admitted he made a bad call and that he's spread a little thin he works 2 full time jobs one where i work and the other at another hospital. My nurses are awesome they said they would do the same thing. i did but were to scared of getting fired. my manager said i am an asset to the unit i have way more. training then the other. aids and some nu rses. the chief. only. said i did good. and bad he gave me props for looking out for the patient and knowing something else was wrong. i should of had the nurse call a different doc to get the needed tests ordered. it put a lot of licences at risk . i got written. up and put in notice for 6 months. i get written. up again in those 6 months I'm fired. the chief. said he had to write me up because if he didn't other people might try the same thing and it could cause a big mess. Now to get my week of pay i missed out on.

A decent outcome to a huge mess.

You've got a lot of good sense eyesight (seriously, I still think of you as nightshadow ) just keep using it and I think you're going to be fine.

The doctor I worked with many years, gave me this advice. Always ask yourself "if this was my Mothe/Father/Brother/sister how would you want them cared for medically?"
The answer is simple, and during my nursing days I practiced this simple consideration. Didn't matter if the patient was a bag lady, homeless whatever. Each deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. Plus exceptional medical care.

So glad your "right decision". Worked out ok.

The patient in the middle made huge progress from what my coworkers said. he's been back on my unit since Thursday and is a completely different person. my coworkers told me when i get back Monday they have a huge surprise waiting. the best part my patients miss me, they keep asking staff when I'm coming back. my take all they know is I'm on vacation.

Thank you. As a nurse and also as a daughter and sister and mother, thank you.

What a wonderful surprise. i got nominated last month for cna of the quarter and won. i got a bo s coming on my next chec.

Congrats Eyenight! That is wonderful!

Great job of taking care of your patients. I want someone like you on my medical team!

Glad to hear this eyenight.