As a nurse, the risk of facing disciplinary action from the State Board of Nursing is a concern you should be aware of, as it can have significant repercussions on your career and reputation within the healthcare community. You could face disciplinary action due to substandard medical care, violating scope of practice, a criminal conviction or drug abuse, among others.
The Board of Nursing may impose various disciplinary measures depending on the severity of the misconduct and the impact on patient safety, if you do not successfully defend against any accusations that you may be facing.
License suspension
If a nurse is found guilty of serious misconduct or violations, the Board may suspend their license. When this happens, you cannot practice nursing for a specified period, after which you may apply for reinstatement.
License revocation
The Board may revoke a nurse’s license for severe misconduct or repeated violations. Unlike a suspension, a license revocation is permanent. It means you are no longer allowed to practice nursing in the state.
Probation
The Board may place a nurse on probation for a specified period. You must comply with certain conditions during probation, such as attending counseling or completing additional training. Otherwise, you could face further disciplinary actions or even a license suspension or revocation.
Reprimand
A reprimand is a formal warning issued by the Board for minor violations. While it does not affect your license, a reprimand can be a serious mark on your record and may lead to further consequences if similar issues arise in the future.
Fines
The Board may also impose fines for nursing violations. The amount can vary depending on the severity of the case.
While some of these disciplinary actions may not necessarily signify the end of your nursing career, they can have significant implications for your reputation and future opportunities. As such, it is prudent to seek urgent legal guidance if/when you’re facing disciplinary proceedings to better understand your rights and options. Doing so can potentially help you avoid these and other adverse actions, which can go a long way in protecting your livelihood.
