Nurses are some of the most highly-trained and dedicated professionals in the healthcare industry. They work tirelessly to care for patients and help them get back on their feet. However, sometimes nurses can make mistakes that cost them their license and career. Nurses are at risk of losing their license if they are convicted of a felony, have impaired professional performance, violate the regulations, are negligent, and more.
Being Convicted of Felony
When a nurse is convicted of a felony, it can lead to the loss of their license. If a nurse has been accused or convicted of a felony, they should talk with an attorney right away about their options. They may be able to get the conviction expunged or show proof of rehabilitation. If a nurse has lost their license and wants it back, they may wish to appeal the board’s decision.
Impaired Professional Performance
Nurses are expected to handle their responsibilities with skill and accuracy. If they cannot do so because of an addiction or mental health problem, it can lead to the loss of their license. When a nurse’s performance is impaired it can be grounds for the board to revoke their license. The following factors can impair medical performance:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Neglect of duty
- Incompetence
- Psychological problems
- Extreme exhaustion
Violation of Nursing Rules and Regulations
Nurses are expected to follow all state and federal rules and regulations for their practice. If a nurse breaks a rule or regulation, it can result in loss of license. The board may take disciplinary action if a medical expert violates any regulations related to:
- Dangerous drugs or alcohol consumption during work-hours
- Delegating nursing tasks to unlicensed individuals
- Patient abuse and neglect
- Failing to report a colleague’s misconduct
Disciplinary boards take these violations very seriously, even if the nurse did not intend on breaking a rule. If you have been accused of violating a rules, you should have an attorney secure your nurse license defense. A medical defense lawyer may help you keep your license and avoid a conviction on the record.
Negligence Causing Injury or Death
If a nurse fails to provide adequate care to a patient, it can lead to the loss of their license. Negligence isn’t just about medical care. It can be negligence in providing food, water, shelter, or supervision that causes severe harm or death to a patient.
If a nurse’s actions lead to injury or death, the board will likely suspend their license until an investigation is complete. Once the investigation is completed and any criminal charges are resolved, the board will determine what disciplinary actions should be taken against their license.
Gross Misconduct
A nurse’s license can be revoked if they are convicted of general gross misconduct. If a nurse has been convicted of any misconduct in the past three years, it will result in the loss of their license. If you are in this situation, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Having early legal representation can influence the outcome of your case.
Intentional Acts of Harm
If a nurse intentionally harms a patient, it can lead to loss of license. If a nurse has an argument with a patient and then decides to abuse or neglect them, disciplinary action will be taken. Even if the board finds that the nurse did not intend to harm their patient, it can result in disciplinary action against the license.
If you have been accused of intentionally harming someone, you should contact an attorney right away to help you fight allegations. An experienced medical defense attorney may help you keep the license and avoid a conviction on their record.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many reasons why a nurse’s license may be revoked. If you have been accused of one of these reasons, you must retain an attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights.
Comments 2
I am an RN at a residential facility for the disabled. I was required to remove a catheter from someone and replace it with a new one. Once I removed the catheter, I realized the only one available was the wrong type of catheter. I removed the used catheter from the waste basket, washed it and reused it. Can I lose my RN License for this?
A nurse in the state of Georgia is mentally abusing her grown children and now grandchildren she is pilot call mentally and physically can she be held accountable and loose her nursing license?