Ex boyfriend filed complaint about me to BON

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I had a complaint filed against my RN license from an ex boyfriend immediately after we broke up in April 2021 (I broke up with him). When I got the notification of complaint I was in complete shock. Every accusation was ridiculous. I initially wrote the board an email stating that every accusation was false and that the claim was filed out of spite. The board never responded to me so I hired an attorney.

He got a written affidavit from my ex boyfriend stating that every single complaint was false and that he filed the complaint after he had been drinking and was fueled with anger. I also had to give a written affidavit stating that each complaint was denied. My attorney submitted the affidavits along with my written response over 2 months ago and I still haven't heard anything from my BON.

In addition to this, I have been waiting for over a month for my APRN application to be processed. My peers who took the certification exam after me are already licensed and practicing while I sit on my thumbs. I emailed my attorney who does not seem to care in the least that this complaint is impacting my ability to obtain my APRN licensure. I emailed the BON to ask if there was anything I could do to aid in my applications processing... again NOTHING! I am full of anxiety and stress. I am supposed to be closing on my new home in 3 weeks and I will not be able to do so if I cannot work as an APRN. I do not know what to do! This is absolutely terrible. I am disheartened by my BONs lack of communication and my attorneys disregard for how this is impacting my life. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Disheartened,

I'm sorry this is happening, especially now when you should be happily celebrating passing your exam (congratulations!). Boards of Nursing (BONs) can be notoriously slow and inconsistently responsive but they are able to recognize malicious complaints. Even though there's no substance to the claim, it can still lengthen the processing of your APRN application. Sometimes these claims are dealt with at regularly scheduled meetings, such as quarterly hearings or reviews, and you just have to wait.

It's even possible that something else entirely is causing your application to take longer than that of your peers.

Your attorney has done his job and is most likely not going to be able to make them move faster, although it won't hurt to ask. Call him and get as much information as you can, including names of people he corresponded with at the BON.

Also, call the BON instead of emailing, and call first thing in the morning. If the office opens at 0800, be the first caller. Ask for names (thank you, and your name is...?) and be pleasant. Keep track of who you talked to and when. If need be, consider driving to the city where your BON is and try to get information face-to-face.

You applied in April, and it's mid-July. In BON time and government-agency time in general,  it's not unusual to wait more than two and a half months, depending on your state, and unfortunately, you are somewhat at their mercy.

I hope this gets resolved any day now and doesn't affect closing on your house. Sending best wishes and hoping you get notified very soon.

Nurse Beth

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