Working as a nurse is a difficult, demanding job. There are long hours, angry patients, impatient family members and little margin for any kind of mistake or failure. Sadly, this stress leads some nurses to turn to substances to help them get through their daily life – perhaps Benzos to combat stress, or ADHD medications to boost focus and energy levels.
When occasional use turns to habitual use, however, it can cost these hardworking professionals their careers. State boards can be unforgiving – and under state licensing laws, being chemically dependent on any substance can be grounds for licensing review.
If you or someone you love is facing the loss of a nursing license or similar disciplinary action due to substance use, you need the help of an experienced Minnesota licensing defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can review the details of your situation and determine what your next steps should be. Your attorney can also advocate on your behalf during any hearings or in negotiations beforehand.
Circumstances vary, but nurses deserve a strong defense
Even in cases where substance use may have led to dereliction of duty, nurses deserve a second chance. People make mistakes, including while working, every single day. If you are committed to improving yourself and addressing the board’s concerns over alleged substance use, you shouldn’t have to risk losing your livelihood to do so. You deserve the chance to receive help instead of punishment for the issues you have been experiencing. In fact, your situation could make you more compassionate in the future toward patients who have endured similar struggles.
An attorney can help you argue in defense of retaining your license. In some cases, if you voluntarily undergo substance counseling or therapy, you may be able to argue against strict penalties related to your situation. It’s important to remember that writing false prescriptions or diverting drugs from patients is a crime, but even in these cases, a defense may be possible. Every situation is different, and you won’t know what options you have until you speak with an experienced Minnesota licensing defense attorney about the specific details of your situation.
You worked hard for your license. Protect it.
Whether you entered the field of nursing years ago or just recently obtained your license, you’ve invested years of your life and lot of money into your career as a nurse. You deserve a rigorous defense against the loss of your license.
It can be hard to do on your own, even impossible. Working with an experienced attorney will give you the best chance at a positive outcome if you’re facing disciplinary actions for alleged chemical dependence.