After years of studying and practicals, the last thing you want to hear is that your nursing license could be under suspension.
However, if you fear you may face disciplinary action, it helps to have as much information about the process as possible and prepare for the next steps.
Common violation categories
Even compassionate, caring nurses can make mistakes that fall under practice-related reasons for disciplinary actions. Extreme exhaustion could lead to medication or charting mistakes.
Other common violations can include patient abuse or neglect, fraud, alcohol or drug abuse and failed criminal background checks. When this happens, the Boarding of Nursing cannot take your license away without allowing you to argue why they should allow you to continue practicing. You get to make that argument at a hearing.
Responsive disciplinary actions
Some disciplinary actions do not immediately result in license suspension. Some punishments dictated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing include:
- A form of educational remediation
- Fines or civil penalties
- Placing you on probation with limitations to one or more aspects of practicing
- Practice monitoring under an alternative program with recovery support
- Tailored consequences, such as a combination of remediation, monitoring, education or other provisions.
For a minor NPA violation, you could face a public reprimand. Under more severe circumstances, you may face revocation or voluntary surrender of your license or temporary suspension, stopping you from practicing for a set time period.
Remember, you cannot lose your license permanently without the opportunity to argue your case and explain your side.