Can RN lose license for fighting outside of work?

Nurses Professionalism

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If you were provoked, and were involved in a physical altercation outside of work, how could this affect your RN license ?  What if you were threatened and warned about this altercation (in advance) and you react first?  

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

It really depends on if you were charged with a crime. Charged with assault? you have a big problem. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

The answer to your question is yes and nurse can loose their licence for fighting outside of their work. And self defense is very hard to proove because you would have to proove that you had no alternative but to engage as well as sprove that you felt your life was in danger. Many states have laws covering this. There are a few "Stand you ground states" but they are loosing traction in law enforcement. 

In addition to kind of things nurses can routinely lose their licenses for many BONs have stated that you can loose your license for Acts or Moral Turpitude. These can cover anything from even writing  bad checks. IF you are a nurse you are held to a higher standard than the general population. 

I hope whatever occured works out. 

Hppy

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You could get reprimanded etc but that is more likely if its a felony assault charge. A simple assault, misdemeanor charge will probably result in a hand-slap. Of course your history/priors etc will come into play. 

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Specializes in retired LTC.
18 hours ago, hppygr8ful said:

.....  In addition to kind of things nurses can routinely lose their licenses for many BONs have stated that you can loose your license for Acts or Moral Turpitude. These can cover anything from even writing  bad checks. IF you are a nurse you are held to a higher standard than the general population. 

 

 

I always think of this when nurses question whether they should become racy video sites 'participants'. Like so they can make some quick extra money while working.

Don't know if it's ever been invoked, but if it's a possibility ...

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On 9/4/2020 at 1:03 PM, Joanne15 said:

If you were provoked, and were involved in a physical altercation outside of work, how could this affect your RN license ?  What if you were threatened and warned about this altercation (in advance) and you react first?  

If you haven't done so, you really need to consult a lawyer, preferable one experienced in handling issues before your state's board of nursing.  He or she can best advise you on how to proceed.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in NICU.

If  for instance you are going thru a troubled time with spouse and you have a fight,who cares ,there were many private incidents in the home or Office,nobody cared,as long as you were not on duty in your own unit.

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On 9/6/2020 at 9:28 PM, hppygr8ful said:

And self defense is very hard to proove because you would have to proove that you had no alternative but to engage as well as sprove that you felt your life was in danger.

Not really.  Someone comes up to me and grabs my neck. I defend myself from being choked, and throw him to the ground then run away = self defense

Someone comes  up to me grabs my neck.  I defend myself from being choked, throw him to the ground, kick him in the gut, mount him and start punching him in the face, then put him in a triangle and he passes out = assault.

Self defense is the minimum that it takes to either run away or control the situation.  That's where people get in trouble.  They keep fighting.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Dude - good explanation. TY

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