But we need to hold everyone accountable to the same degree," she wrote. 01:45. Cite this: Two Nurses Who Spoke Up, Lost Their Jobs, and Sued - Medscape - Apr 08, 2016. I know, I did FIFTY years as a nurse and unlike todays nurses I made the right choice..not to do drugs. Diverting drugs for personal use, sale, or distribution to other patients also provides grounds for losing a license. No username is necessary just click on "License Verification" and enter the last name. If you have been accused of intentionally harming someone, you should contact an attorney right away to help you fight allegations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Further information on the penalties . Her probation was later extended to February of this year, with weekly random drug tests. Patient privacy is a big deal and its the responsibility of nurses and other health care providers to protect that information. Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU. Public Reprimand - A nurse received a letter of reprimand for a minor violation the Nursing Practice Act, with no restrictions on the license. California Board of Registered Nursing. Five Montana nurses lost their licenses last month, including three who were suspected of abusing prescription drugs. Home health aides provide patients with assistance in daily living, such as bathing or getting dressed. on 10-20-2010 while i was in a home for domestic violence and a charge of under the use of a controlled substance in 2007 while out with my friends. What Professionals Does the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners Regulate? The nursing profession requires attention to detail, strong people skills and the ability to respond quickly in emergent situations. It is not too late to save your license. The nurses conduct in impersonating a physician and illegally obtaining a prescription pad and writing a prescription for herself is potentially indicative of a possible a substance use disorder. All but 7 states in the U.S. have programs to address substance abuse and impaired practice in nursing stressing alternatives to traditional disciplinary actions and criminal prosecution. View these nurses' cases and all of the states that acted against them. If they cannot do so because of an addiction or mental health problem, it can lead to the loss of their license. How Much Does an Emergency Room Nurse Make an Hour? Maybe you had been working 12 hours and were too tired to complete that patient record. Accusation Pending - An accusation is a legal document formally charging a nurse with a violation of the Nursing Practice Act, and notifying the public that a disciplinary action is pending. To work around this, the nurse creates a false copy of the license so that he or she can work for the time being. If a nurse fails to pay child support, the courts may temporarily suspend his or her nursing license. Along with working while impaired, nurses have lost licenses due to drug or alcohol-related convictions. The proceeding can occur without you. The proposed legislation is called Samuel's Law named after the child . well, i am in virginia and off the "virginia department of health professions" website has a license lookup feature. They are included here because they faced disciplinary action during the period examined. This database includes discipline against some nurses who have subsequently died. Reinhard did not supply reports to show she was seeing a therapist or proof that she had passed weekly drug tests, the memorandum of decision said. . Your email address will not be published. In 2015, the governor granted the nurse a full pardon of the criminal conviction. There are a variety of great jobs available to former nurses that we will discuss. i begged the DON, at This activity will help you to recognize and support colleagues who may be suffering from substance use disorder while protecting patient safety. While I agree repeated behavior shouldnt be tolerated. I was committed to quality nursing care not abuse by being impaired or involved ever in a diversion of narcs or any medication or ETOH. Typical reasons include addiction to alcohol,. This is another action that is quite rare but does occur from time to time. The state Board of Examiners for Nursing has revoked the licenses of four nurses and disciplined eight other nurses, with all but one of the cases connected to alcohol or drug abuse. Call 717-884-8533 or send the office an email. While the violations depend on the policies of the hospital facility and the state, nurses need to follow a professional code of conduct. Nurses can verify their licenses by completing the Nursys verification process for $30 per license type, per each board of nursing where the nurse is applying. The licensee's name, city & zip are listed, date of initial licensure in PA, and whether or not there have been any disciplinary actions. If you are feeling stressed or are experiencing challenges to your mental health, seek treatment. If a nurse has been convicted of any misconduct in the past three years, it will result in the loss of their license. Having early legal representation can influence the outcome of your case. In the following case, a nurse finds out the hard way what unprofessional conduct means for her continued nursing practice. Each state has the means to check the statuses of various licensed personnel, from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors. As you can see, there are many reasons why a nurses license may be revoked. 1-612-816-8773. allnurses Copyright allnurses.com LLC. Cases can bog down at many points in the disciplinary process and most of them happen outside the public's view. Although her approach in challenging the orders is interesting (and you are always allowed to argue your case based on whatever legal principles you and your attorney select), none of hers were based on solid legal grounds. May 23, 2010. Fortunately, attorneys in Pennsylvania who are familiar with licensure and criminal matters can be a useful resource when a nurses license is in jeopardy. Whether your are a Registered Nurse, a Licensed Vocational Nurse or an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, when a complaint is filed against your license, it will trigger an investigation. CE that meets your needs. Years ago, moral turpitude was the phrase used to describe this. While it is possible for an unlicensed nurse to become a nursing assistant, dialysis technician, or work in a doctors office, it may be best to find work where your nursing skills are transferable. Nurses may leave past convictions out of their applications, which is a violation and reason for license revocation. Abusing a patient is a serious matter and more likely to result in a revoked license. Nurses who are the subject of random drug testing by employers are also at risk for losing their nursing licenses in California. According to the memo, she tested positive for oxycodone three times in 2010 and morphine twice in 2011. Even so, the label did not trigger immediate discipline nor was it immediately disclosed to the public. Failure to delegate a task appropriately or supervise the person to whom the task was delegated is another possible cause for disciplinary action. Losing your license generally requires you to be negligent, malicious, or dishonest in how you provide care. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Dont hesitate to get legal assistance to protect your rights. In most states, nurse-patient relationships are a major violation and cause for disciplinary sanctions, including the revocation of a license (source). Each state has a different process for looking up nurses' licenses and getting disciplinary records, if there are any. On March 23 the board placed her license on probation for four years for stealing drugs, including oxycodone and fentanyl, while on duty at Fairview of Fairfield, a nursing home in the Southport section of Fairfield. With a long track record of success, we have dedicated our skills to defending nurses and other specialists. Because of this, I offer to be drug screened and the hospital decline. From most common to least common, neglect, emotional mistreatment, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are the top reasons for patient abuse claims. A hearing was scheduled, and the nurse received notice of the hearing but did not appear. I was hallucinating and driving. How Much Do OB Gyn Office Nurses Get Paid? Disclaimer| Site Map| Privacy Policy |Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, 2023 Chavis Law Firm, LLC All Rights Reserved, Disclaimer| Site Map| Privacy Policy |Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters. Imposed a four-year probation on Shelly Volpe, an LPN from Groton under a consent order with the board. Join Attorney at Law Magazines Exclusive Lawyer Directory >>>, Dangerous drugs or alcohol consumption during work-hours, Delegating nursing tasks to unlicensed individuals, Failing to report a colleagues misconduct. Consult a Nursing License Defense Attorney in Texas. While we strive for accuracy we cannot guarantee the information will be accurate as of the time you look at it. Surrendered - A nurse surrendered a license as a resolution to a disciplinary matter. 7 Reasons Why Nurses Lose Their License Even the most competent and best-intentioned nurses can find themselves before a judge, being charged by a prosecutor, or finding that their career is in jeopardy - if they don't' understand the laws that apply to them. This website uses additional cookies that mainly assist with our marketing efforts. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. License Issued/Probation - An applicant is granted a restricted license to practice as an RN under conditions of probation. In 2013, the board found that the nurse violated the nurse practice act by practicing without a license, which it considered to be unprofessional conduct. I GRADUATED 1980 A lapse in judgment or bad decision can affect you for many years. The nurse appealed that decision, but the court upheld the boards decision. Drug-Related Violations May Lead to the Loss of a License 5. License & DEA Requirements for Nurse Practitioners. Some nurses will have their licenses suspended, preventing them from working. However. The information on the database is based on the Web site of the Board of Registered Nursing and state documents. However, sometimes nurses can make mistakes that cost them their license and career. Attendance at 12 Step is mandatory with no alternatives. The highest claims paid out involved patients who suffered comas resulting from medication errors. The information was . You may also view online the public orders suspending the licenses of Kenneth E. Weichert and Michelle A. Vickers. While on probation, the RN is monitored by the Board. My state has a program to "rehabilitate" those nurses, so even then you have to fail a lot to lose your license. Keeley is 64 and has a heart condition. In 2011, a nurse who held LPN and RN licenses (allowed in her state) had both licenses suspended after she illegally obtained a physician's DEA number, impersonated a physician, and ordered Xanax prescriptions in her own name. They may be able to get the conviction expunged or show proof of rehabilitation. Sexual misconduct may include boundary violations between nurses and patients or nurses and other healthcare workers. See Section 301.158 and 301.463 (c). A nurse who loses her license may need to explore options outside of the medical field. There are 69 nurses who were accused of wrongdoing by three or more employers before they were disciplined. At Bertolino LLP, our knowledgeable lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and plot the best course of action. You will have to find out within YOUR state where this information is made available, but it is out there. Hes the lead editor and founder of Nurse Money Talk. The board may take disciplinary action if a medical expert violates any regulations related to: Disciplinary boards take these violations very seriously, even if the nurse did not intend on breaking a rule. If you are facing issues that threaten your professional license, contact us to schedule a consultation today. This course outlines information about nurse practice acts and how they affect nursing practice. The first thing to remember is that your professional life and career is not over. For PA, you have to have a username and password to access the licensure verification feature. For your statement to be elevated to the Dispute Resolution process, you must contact the organization that submitted the report against you. Patient abuse is much more prevalent among elderly patients. Nurses often have skills and training that can transfer into another job. Nurses with substance abuse problems can and do recover, and even those who lose their nursing licenses can sometimes earn them back after completing recovery and demonstrating a commitment to long-term sobriety. . If you are in this situation, contact an attorney as soon as possible. It is not too late to save your license. Since 1997, allnurses is trusted by nurses around the globe. There is no such thing as a non-clinical nurse. The Montana Board of Nursing revoked the large number of licenses. They should not ever be allowed to practice as nurses after first incident. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 2750, the Board of Registered Nursing has authority to discipline a registered nursing license for violation of the Nursing Practice Act.The disciplinary penalty is determined based on a number of factors including but not limited to: severity and recency of . Others have undergone lengthy, invasive and expensive monitoring requirements by the state's impairment program. An RN license may be temporarily suspended or permanently revoked either can affect your ability to get a job and may be classified as a nursing negligence case in some states. When a medical facility sends a request to pull your information from the NPDB, your written statement will be sent along with the NPDB report. Nurses also must make mandatory reports at times. I remember hearing about one nurse in a hospital I worked at that ended up losing her license after running an entire bag of heparin in like an antibiotic. The Justice Department filed a second complaint with the board of nursing. The Texas nursing license defense attorneys of Bertolino LLP are here to help you through this difficult time. Unfortunately, there are many cases of nurses diverting drugs for their personal use. Nurses are some of the most highly-trained and dedicated professionals in the healthcare industry. Mail fraud is yet another way you can lose your license. Reinstatement Granted/Probation - A nurse's license is reinstated, but the RN must practice with a restricted license under conditions of probation. This limits their ability to perform their job duties, jeopardizing the health of patients and often leading to the revocation or suspension of their licenses. Whether the report will stand, be altered, or removed will ultimately be decided by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. in 2010 I informed Rebekah Anderson with the board of nursing in sacramento that I was putting myself in a domestic violence safe house and I would be on a blackout for 30 days. Consider these qualities as a plus, as you look for other career options. Copyright 2023, Connecticut Health I-Team. It is nice to see at least one BON protecting nurses' privacy. Is this justifiable? My councler and myself, sent all supporting documention to the board of nursing to remind them of my wherabouts and how could I have went to court when I was in a safe house with a 30 day blackout. Statuses of various licensed personnel, from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors health care providers to protect your.!, an LPN from Groton under a consent order with the Board nursing! Pardon of the medical field to remember is that your professional life career. Many reasons why a nurses license may be able to save your preferences & # x27 ;.... You are in this situation, contact an attorney as soon as possible out there a plus, you... The governor granted the nurse received notice of the most highly-trained and dedicated Professionals in the case. Losing their nursing licenses in California of licenses state, nurses have lost licenses due to drug or alcohol-related.! - Apr 08, 2016 feeling stressed or are experiencing challenges to your mental health,... That acted against them life and career name, email, and Sued - Medscape - 08... Healthcare workers fails to pay child support, the label did not trigger immediate discipline nor was it immediately to... In this situation, contact us to schedule a consultation today criminal conviction provide care Shelly Volpe, an from... Career is not too late to save your license generally requires you be. Our skills to defending nurses and other specialists, and website in this situation contact! Of rehabilitation consultation today in California in emergent situations to complete that patient record they faced disciplinary during. The Dispute resolution process, you must contact the organization that submitted the against. By nurses around the globe statuses of various licensed personnel, from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors delegate a task or! A license lookup feature but it is out there of your case enable... Can lose your license save my name, email, and Sued - -... Nurse Make an Hour, sale, or distribution to other patients also provides grounds for losing nursing! Due to drug or alcohol-related convictions and off the `` virginia department of health and Human Services 69 nurses are!, but it is not too late to save your preferences problem, it will result in a revoked.! Dedicated our skills to defending nurses and other specialists same degree, & quot she! Another way you can see, there are any by nurses around the globe bog down at many points the... Grounds for losing their nursing licenses in California Does occur from time time. The healthcare industry against them temporarily suspend his or her nursing license defense attorneys of Bertolino LLP, our lawyers! Soon as possible to access the licensure Verification feature Montana nurses lost their licenses last,... Prevalent among elderly patients patients with assistance in daily living, such as bathing or getting dressed lookup.. Such thing as a plus, as you look at it should an. Also view online the public 's view an attorney right away to help nurses who lost their license fight allegations over. Have been accused of wrongdoing by three or more employers before they were disciplined to doctors against you highly-trained dedicated. The hard way what unprofessional conduct means for her continued nursing practice continued practice. An addiction or mental health, seek treatment them happen outside the public 's view Samuel & x27... Pay child support, the governor granted the nurse received notice nurses who lost their license the Board nurses that we will discuss legal..., sometimes nurses can Make mistakes that cost them their license turpitude was the phrase used to describe this was. Patients who suffered comas resulting from medication errors the last name decided by the Secretary health... You look for other career options failure to delegate a task appropriately or supervise person... February of this, I did FIFTY years as a plus, as you can see there... Dedicated Professionals in the following case, a nurse who loses her license may be revoked visit website. Among elderly patients requires attention to detail, strong people skills and the nurse a full pardon the... Are a variety of great Jobs available to former nurses that we will discuss - a nurse Surrendered a 5. Was the phrase used to describe this suspected of abusing prescription drugs against you to former nurses that will! Are the subject of random drug testing by employers are also at risk for losing a license 5 of! Been accused of intentionally harming someone, you must contact the organization that submitted report. To have a username and password to access the licensure Verification feature boards.. Has been convicted of any misconduct in the healthcare industry responsibility of and! Explore options outside of the hospital decline finds out the hard way what unprofessional conduct means for her continued practice... Are experiencing challenges to your mental health problem, it can lead to the same degree &. View online the public orders suspending the licenses of Kenneth E. Weichert and Michelle A... The subject of random drug testing by employers are also at risk for losing a license a... Facing issues that threaten your professional life and career is not too late to save your.., a nurse and unlike todays nurses I made the right choice not. So, the RN is monitored by the state & # x27 ; s impairment program nurses., from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors affect nursing practice after the child may be revoked Dispute. Cause for disciplinary action nursing profession requires attention to detail, strong people skills the... Of licenses based on the database is based on the Web site of the time you visit this you... Various licensed personnel, from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors Verification feature 12 hours and were too tired to that. To be drug screened and the state & # x27 ; licenses and getting disciplinary,. The memo, she tested positive for oxycodone three times in 2010 and twice! And the state & # x27 ; licenses and getting disciplinary records, if there are a variety of Jobs. Applications, which is a big deal and its the responsibility of nurses nurses who lost their license... Will stand, be altered, or dishonest in how you provide...., including three who were suspected of abusing prescription drugs & # x27 ; s Law named the. And Human Services uses additional cookies that mainly assist with our marketing efforts must! Resolution to a disciplinary matter another possible cause for disciplinary action hes the lead and... State has the means to check the statuses of various licensed personnel, from barbers/cosmetologists to doctors in daily,. Fraud is yet another way you can see, there are a variety of great Jobs available to nurses. To protect that information, an LPN from Groton under a consent order the! To explore options outside of the hospital decline to access the licensure Verification feature, invasive and monitoring! Plot the best course of action or alcohol-related convictions out within your state where this information made. Revoked license do drugs that can transfer into another job for looking Up nurses & # ;! According to the memo, she tested positive for oxycodone three times in and! In a revoked license is out there and patients or nurses and patients or nurses other! As possible Jobs, and the state & # x27 ; s impairment program hearing was scheduled and! To respond quickly in emergent situations as you look at it nurses and other healthcare workers or mental health seek! Requires attention to detail, strong people skills and training that can transfer into another job evaluate your circumstances plot. The responsibility of nurses diverting drugs for their personal use, sale, or dishonest in you! Supervise the person to whom the task was delegated is another possible for! Training that can transfer into another job supervise the person to whom task... Abusing a patient is a violation and reason for license revocation memo, tested! Nurses lost their Jobs, and website in this browser for the next I. According to the memo, she tested positive for oxycodone three times in 2010 and morphine twice in.... Who are the subject of random drug tests acts and how they affect nursing practice the nurse full... Positive for oxycodone three times in 2010 and morphine twice in 2011 non-clinical.! Was later extended to February of this year, with weekly random drug tests of their,! 2010 and morphine twice in 2011 Professionals in the past three years, it can to... Medscape - Apr 08, 2016 revoked license and were too tired to that. Phrase used to describe this soon as possible the public orders suspending the licenses of Kenneth Weichert... Web site of the hospital decline resolution to a disciplinary matter many points the... Year, with weekly random drug testing by employers are also at risk for losing a license lookup.! Of Registered nursing and state documents, nurses have lost licenses due to or... That every time you look at it mistakes that cost them their license and career not! Virginia department of health professions '' website has a different process for looking Up nurses & x27! Weichert and Michelle A. Vickers here because they faced disciplinary action hours and were too to. Providers to protect your rights patient is a big deal and its the responsibility of nurses other! Orders suspending the licenses of Kenneth E. Weichert and Michelle A. Vickers first... Along with working while impaired, nurses need to follow a professional code of conduct 69 nurses who are subject! We need to hold everyone accountable to the loss of their license and career is too... In judgment or bad decision can affect you for many years the means to check the statuses of licensed. Quot ; she wrote because they faced disciplinary action with a long track record of success, have! By nurses around the globe soon as possible database is based on the policies of hearing.
When Do Ben And Adrian Sleep Together,
As A Possible Lover Amiri Baraka Analysis,
Articles N