There is no denying the fact that nurses play a large role in patient care. Without these medical professionals, it would be difficult for patients to receive the treatment and care they need to feel their best.
Unfortunately, there are times when a nurse is presented with a challenging situation: He or she may lose one’s license.
Every year, state nursing boards take action by revoking nursing licenses. Some of the most common reasons why this happens include:
- Addiction. If it is found that a nurse is addicted to any type of substance, it’s possible that he or she will lose one’s license. Fortunately, through therapy, it’s possible to get the help you need and to retain your license.
- Falsifying patient records. This is one of the most serious offenses a nurse can commit. It is also one that can lead to the loss of a nursing license. An example of this would be a nurse who is too tired to complete a patient record report, so they simply enter information that makes sense. Regardless of the reason, falsifying medical records is never a good idea.
- Unprofessional conduct. This is a broad term, which often makes it easier for a state board to revoke a nursing license. This can include everything from using inappropriate language to making an advance at a patient.
- Lending one’s identity to another. This sounds “out there,” but there are times when a nurse lets somebody else assume his or her identity for the purpose of obtaining a prescription or controlled substance.
Allegations of other types of misconduct can also result in loss of a nursing license.
If you find yourself in trouble and have reason to believe that your license could be in jeopardy, it’s important to find out exactly what is going on. This is the only way to formulate a strategy that can help you put this trouble in the past.
Since you don’t want to lose your license, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced attorney. With the right legal team on your side, it’s easier to understand your rights, to protect your rights, and to make decisions that allow you to keep your license and continue working.