NP with Mental Health Issues Placed on Probation

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Hi,

I appreciate any and all input. I am a NP with Mood Disorder. I was convicted of a misdeamenor in 2007 and one in 2009. Both, you can say were mental Health Related. The BRN in California filed a Compliant and I hired an attorney. The outcome was Probation but I am glad I took it to trial for the sake of other people with mental Health issues. Even though, Mental Health Issues are a disability the Board does what they want-when they want. I sincerely did not sign up for this when I became a nurse.

Mental Health Disorders are not well defined, as I understand it as substance abuse disorders. If I want to challenge this-likely win-it would cost me somewhere between 5K to 15K dollars. I should have been offered diversion. Frankly, it is discrimination when you get down to it-in violation of the ADA.

I do not believe in my attorney anymore. He has made decisions, without my consent, that have cost me 2 jobs-He somehow delayed the court's decision and I was not able to get malpractice ins by 2 employers who were interested in me. He says He has never heard of this-He believed it was in my best interest to stay off probationary status. He then said, He doesnt practice Insurance Law-well if you make a decision that impacts my ability to get then it is sorta your problem. You guys kinda know how lawyers operate though.

I would like tips for getting employed while on Probation as an NP in Calif. I will work at Federal or State Prisons.

Is there any support groups for nurses, going thru similar issues, here in Calif?

Does anyone know why I would get malpractice companys saying they wouldn't insure me until this trial was settled? Dont I have a right to defend myself?

Does anyone know lawyers who specialize solely in nursing licensure?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

We cannot offer referrals or legal advice. But the American Association of Nurse Attorneys offers a lawyer referral service. http://www.taana.org

Thank You!!! For the Link...Any tips for NP's dealing with probation issues...How to get hired, etc.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Can't help with hiring issues as I'm not an APN. But the nurse attorney may be able to help based upon their experience.

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