Do you ever get tired of hearing this phrase?

Nurses General Nursing

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"I'm so afraid I'm going to lose my license!"

This is one of my biggest pet peeves about this site. It seems like several times a day where someone (usually a new nurse) is working in a busy facility and fears that they are going to lose their license by making some kind of error. Most people even cite this as their reason for quitting their job. LTC and SNFs seems to be the biggest offenders.

So I did a search on the words "I lost my license" and read through several pages of posts about the subject. Guess what? Not ONE post about someone who legitimately lost their license due to a patient care issue. They were all related to drug use/abuse or a felony crimes.

I understand that there are some facilities that put you in unsafe working conditions. But it's really not that easy to lose your license. Even published stories about people who made fatal medication errors have retained their nursing licenses.

So please, let's get it straight that you're highly unlikely to lose your license because you're working in a busy hospital, or LTC, or a SNF with a high census. You might not like working in a busy environment like that, but quitting because you feel your "license is in jeopardy" is not a realistic reason. If you do this, you are probably denying yourself a great opportunity to learn and grow as a nurse.

That's my vent for today. Thanks for listening.

Specializes in ICU, Public Health.

I'm not as worried about loosing my license as I am worried about making a mistake. It is true, when I was in critical care I often worried I would make an error or miss something. Not an unimportant error, but a major error. I would never forgive myself...I guess I am one of those worry warts.

I think that "lose my license" might be code for "hit with a huge malpractice suit that will liquidate everything that I have ever worked for, force me to work past retirement, deny my children the education I have saved for and leave me homeless,, which my employer will not provide me with any defense and deny culpability for my work situation and environment."

Specializes in pediatrics, public health.
I think that "lose my license" might be code for "hit with a huge malpractice suit that will liquidate everything that I have ever worked for, force me to work past retirement, deny my children the education I have saved for and leave me homeless,, which my employer will not provide me with any defense and deny culpability for my work situation and environment."

If that's the case, then "I want to be sure to protect my license" would be code for "I have purchased ". :)

Agree with pixie99 - I don't think its always about losing the license - sometimes its about making a mistake or missing something that leads to a poor outcome, lawsuit or disciplinary action. I know nursing as a profession has worked hard to gain respect and autonomy, but the flip side of that is responsibility and culpability.

So, while I agree that the phrase is overused, I think there is some truth to it. Gone are the days where we can just blame it on the MD. We're held accountable for our actions and while that may not mean loss of license, it is enough to keep me up some nights wondering if I've missed something!

Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I treat my license like it's gold.

Only yesterday at my employment provider, I told the officer I was not working in LTC/NHs where there is ONLY ME as the RN, 100 patients and like 10 staff under me. She didn't seem to think that was a problem as 'work is work'.

Seriously, I wonder what world these people live in??! And get this...found out during the interview that she was also a nurse.

The mind boggles.

So no, I don't think it's unreasonable to think u may lose ur license, especially when ur young and inexperienced. I suppose some NMs threaten people with this.

Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Completely off topic, but the phrase that I CANNOT STAND while in the clinical setting is "Just Relax".

You are right, Ashley. I have only known a few nurses that had gotten their licenses yanked, and ALL of them were reported for diversion. None of these nurses complied with the rehabilitation services that our BON provided.

You can lead a horse to water...

while some nurses may be a bit more paranoid than others, i find the concern valid.

whether it is warranted or not, anyone can file a complaint against us, if only for the reason that we looked at them the wrong way.

either the bon will accept or reject the complaint.

if they accept, then there's an investigation.

we're all vulnerable...esp in a high risk profession.

leslie

While I didn't know the person, I knew OF her (because the company I worked for bought out the facility when the state shut them down, leaving the residents in limbo- and I had to spend some time there during the transition).... THIS is license-loss worthy stuff (which she did). OH- she was the DON. :eek:

1. Hypoglycemic diabetic who was unresponsive and couldn't swallow.... RECTAL orange juice.

2. Decided that "enough" CPR had been done (EMS not even there yet) and "called" it.

Andrea Yates (of the kill-5-kids-by-drowning fame) had notice in the TX BON newsletter a YEAR after she'd been arrested.....The others in there didn't have reasons listed- but you have to work at doing something license-loss worthy.

You can be listed in the BON newsletter if your check bounces for renewal fees :D :up:

To answer to the OP:

YES.... I get worn out hearing about it. I know students get it drilled into their heads- but all that does is make them sacred, and immobilizes them to act at all. If someone isn't aware enough of what constitutes behavior that could result in the loss of their license, they got a shoddy education imo - which isn't their fault- but needs some time in common sense-land. If someone does something within their scope of practice, nurse practice act, and facility policies and procedures- QUIT worrying :)

I am guilty of using this phrase, today, as a matter of fact. As a new nurse, I can tell you firsthand that in school they pound it into your brain that there are so many things that can be grounds for losing your liscense....definitely put the fear in me!!

I understand the fear of losing your license, but loosing your license? Keep it in your wallet and it won't run loose!

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I understand the fear of losing your license, but loosing your license? Keep it in your wallet and it won't run loose!

Personally, I think you should lose your license if you don't understand the difference between "lose" and "loose."

Specializes in critical care, PACU.

OJ per rectum sounds painful :no:

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