Charged with brandishing a gun. Is my license in jeporady?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Facing a charge for brandishing a gun, even if it was fake, can have severe implications for your nursing license. The specific consequences depend on several factors, including the laws in your state, the nature of the conviction, and the policies of the nursing board in your jurisdiction.

Here are some points that will factor into the decision:

• Nature of the offense. Even though the gun was fake, brandishing a weapon can be seen as a violent or threatening act. Nursing boards take any behavior that could be construed as violent very seriously, as it can indicate a potential risk to patient safety.
• State laws and nursing board regulations. Each state has its rules and regulations regarding criminal convictions and nursing licenses. Some states require mandatory reporting of certain convictions, while others leave it to the board's discretion.
• Moral turpitude. Crimes involving moral turpitude (acts that are considered morally or ethically wrong) are often scrutinized more closely by licensing boards. Depending on the circumstances, brandishing a weapon could fall under this category.
• Board discretion. Nursing boards have discretion in handling criminal convictions. They may consider factors such as the nature of the crime, the circumstances surrounding it, your history, and any evidence of rehabilitation or mitigating circumstances.
• Self-reporting. Many nursing boards require nurses to self-report any criminal convictions. Failing to do so can result in additional disciplinary actions.

To get a more precise answer, you should:

• Consult an attorney specializing in nursing. Your attorney can provide specific advice based on your state's laws and your case's details. You can find an attorney at the American Association of Nurse Attorneys.
• Contact the nursing board. You can check with your state nursing board or review their guidelines on criminal convictions and disciplinary actions.
• Review state regulations. Look into your state nursing board's specific regulations and policies regarding criminal convictions.

It's essential to take this situation seriously and seek appropriate legal and professional guidance to understand the potential impacts on your nursing career and to prepare a strategy for addressing any issues with the nursing board.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Additional Reading

Your transparency, attitude, and remorse heavily influence the BON/BRN. Read these articles to get a sense of what they are looking for.

Writing Letter of Explanation to the Board

[Mrsexylegs]

This sounds beyond my knowledge. I would highly recommend you seek legal Council, as a lawyer would have a better understanding of your state's laws and regulations. 

As a Nurse every court is going to put you in a higher moral standard compaired to your average joe. But depending on your states gun laws and self defense laws they might try to come after you personally. 

 

In short I would saw go see a lawyer, and hope that you documented documented documented enough to cya. And I hope your dogs and yourself stay well