You might think it’s rare for a nurse to need representation on standby should they be accused of something that could cause them to lose their license. You might even think you won’t need an attorney at all because you would never do something wrong. But the thing is, nurses are under investigation more often than you realize. And that’s because when it does happen to a registered nurse, they’re not likely to talk about it. It’s embarrassing, right? But there are ten common reasons a nurse could lose their license. These reasons are precisely why you want to have representation at the ready should one of them happen to you because trust us, it could.
Why Nurses Lose Their License
All it takes is an investigation by the Board of Registered Nurses, and “BAM!” your license is gone. You don’t think it could happen to you? Well, take a look at this list of 10 reasons nurses often lose their license and mull it over:
- Your employer files a complaint against you, and the BRN agrees with them.
- A soon-to-be ex-spouse, family member, or friend files a complaint against you, and the BRN investigates, and it doesn’t look good for you.
- A coworker or colleague files a complaint against you, and you lose.
- You just got yourself arrested or convicted of a crime.
- A patient files a complaint against you. Whether you did what they perceived as wrong or not, if you are the one they saw the most, you are likely to get the blame.
- You got a DUI. You were just barely over the limit! But still, you were.
- You are accused of diversion, also known as stealing medicine. Even if it was sloppy record-keeping on your part, you could lose your license.
- You are accused of unprofessional conduct. This could happen in several ways. Think about it.
- You are accused of gross negligence or incompetence. All it takes is one mistake, just one. It won’t matter if you’ve never made a mistake before. Just one can take away your license.
- You gave false information. Maybe you’re just trying to help a friend or family member. Still, if you provide incorrect information, you’re in big trouble.
What Happens if Your License is Suspended?
What will happen next depends on what you are accused of. You could have your license temporarily suspended, or you could lose it completely. As long as it is not a permanent suspension, you won’t be able to apply to get it back until you have completed all the terms put forth when you were suspended. That could take years. Then, it’s still up to the Board of Registered Nurses to decide if you should be allowed to have your license reinstated.
What To Do If You Are Unexpectedly Under Investigation
Even if you think it won’t happen to you, knowing what you should and shouldn’t do is good if you suddenly find yourself under investigation by the BRN.
What Not To Do
Do not agree to anything. That’s the most important thing. Don’t surrender your license no matter what investigators say about your opportunity to get it back, and don’t agree to any type of intervention program. It might seem like the easy out at the time, but both options could cost you your career for good.
What To Do
You need an attorney. Preferably one who knows the nursing profession and how the Board of Registered Nurses operates. On top of that, you want an attorney with a good record of winning cases against the BRN.
How We Can Help
While there are millions of law firms out there, our law firm works with one type of client only – nurses. This is why you should call us if you are ever accused of anything that could cause you to lose your license. We know the profession, and we know the Board of Registered Nurses.
RN Guardian has a 99% success rate in helping nurses keep their licenses and, thereby, their careers. Nursing isn’t just your job; it’s who you are. You need a law firm to help you keep your career and reputation.