Agency owner has let her Registration lapse

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Specializes in Operating Theatre and Occ. Health.

I work for this firm - freelance part time occupational health on ad hoc sessions. We go to manufacturing firms to do medicals as per HSE standards and requirements. It used to be quite a busy firm - an 8 room suite, employed about 8 nurses, two full time secretaries and a part time doctor, enough work to keep all of us busy most of the time.

Then she had health problems closely followed by the financial crisis last year. Her previous clients started either cutting back on Occy Health stuff or went out of business. Now she has had to let all her other people go and there is just two of us very part time nurses. She's moved into a small single room office and seems to have just enough work to keep us nurses doing odd shifts here and there, nothing significant. She hasn't done any actually Occy Health work herself this year on account of her health and having to run the office full time.

Fact is, I've just discovered she's let her NMC registration lapse and I'm not sure where this puts me. I have a feeling she ought to be registered as she's buying in all sorts of goods and equipment which includes flu vaccines and such.

Does anyone think I'm in a spot here? Or is it okay? I'm not fussed about her situation - she's a big girl and can look after herself! I'm more concerned about my situation!!! 2ihnv29.gif

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All it means is that she cannot do any 'nursing' stuff, she is still entitiled to run a business. She can order vaccines but wont be able to vaccinate, she wont be able to do sickness absence but can delegate them to you or the dr. If she does do anything like that she is in breach of her NMC Code of Conduct, which will make her re-registration harder to obtain.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Daisees, providing she is not actually practising nursing she is OK, you don't necessarily need to be a nurse to run an agency but if there are any elements of nursing practice then it could be a problem. You could always phone the NMC to check if your concerned

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Specializes in Operating Theatre and Occ. Health.

Well, that's true but I didn't want to intrude in that area. I did think that was the case - she can run the business but not do anything herself - just wanted input from my colleagues here! Thanks for the replies!

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
Well, that's true but I didn't want to intrude in that area. I did think that was the case - she can run the business but not do anything herself - just wanted input from my colleagues here! Thanks for the replies!

Just bear in mind that if you do have concerns, the Code states by act or omission. If there is something that does worry you you do have a professional obligation to take action.

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Specializes in Operating Theatre and Occ. Health.

Yes, I do remember that but thanks for the reminder.

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