Hi. I've been a LPN in Nevada for two years. I self-reported three med errors in one year (no one was hurt, thankfully; and I understand why they occured), and I was fired after the third. Then, I was reported to the Board. I don't even want to be a nurse anymore. What I am wondering - and why I joined here - is whether any of you know if I can still get a license to work in the medical field, such as for surgical tech, if I choose to surrender my nursing license now. Or would any other type of professional license (even outside the medical field) I may get in the future be affected ? I do not wish to sign their probationary agreement as it says I would be financially responsible for them monitoring me (and it doesn't specify the cost). I can't even afford an attorney. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
vegascountrygirl wrote:Hi. I've been a LPN in Nevada for two years. I self-reported three med errors in one year (no one was hurt, thankfully; and I understand why they occured), and I was fired after the third. Then, I was reported to the Board. I don't even want to be a nurse anymore. What I am wondering - and why I joined here - is whether any of you know if I can still get a license to work in the medical field, such as for surgical tech, if I choose to surrender my nursing license now. Or would any other type of professional license (even outside the medical field) I may get in the future be affected ? I do not wish to sign their probationary agreement as it says I would be financially responsible for them monitoring me (and it doesn't specify the cost). I can't even afford an attorney. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
It's very hard to answer your question without understanding more specifically what the nature of the errors were. If they are wanting to monitor you do they suspect drug or alcohol abuse? Are there any legal charges against you? etc. Monitoring programs generally run between $25 and $50 a month and Randome drug tests which are typically done twice a month run about $70 a pop. If they want you to go into treatment you would have to pay for that as well which is generally between $10,000-$45,000 for 30 day program depending on where you go.
All of this is general.
Depending on the laws in your state and the policies of the professional boards involved you may not be able to get a license in another dicipline.
You may want to seek legal council with an attorney experienced with licensing matters in your state. If you had malpractice insurance you may have coverage for legal assistance.
If you feel that you have any kind of substance abuse problem I would advise you deal with it and seek help and recovery. This kind of problem never goes away on it's own and will continue to haunt you.
I spent 5 years in a monitoring program. It was a royal pain in the buttocks but when it was all said and done my license was and still is free and clear. Almost losing my license was the best thing that ever happened to me as it forced me to get help.
Whatever you decide know that we are here for you and this is a very supportive group of people.
Peace and Namaste
Hppy