Got in fight at work and suspended, will I lose my certification?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm sorry to hear you're in this difficult situation. It sounds like a lot happened simultaneously, and you're dealing with the fallout.

To answer your question, whether you can lose your CNA certification depends on how your governing board (the agency that oversees CNAs and issued your certification in your state, for example, the Department of Health) views the incident. They are most concerned with protecting the public and your ability to provide safe care.

In addition, they'll consider:

• Your actions and intent. You mentioned feeling triggered by the situation and acting out of self-preservation in a "fight or flight" response. If you felt threatened or unsafe, and your response was not intentional harm, it's less likely to lead to permanent license revocation. However, the specifics of your actions will impact the outcome. 
• The investigation process. The suspension may be part of an investigation. They didn't involve your therapist after you offered a Release of Information (ROI), and that could help explain the situation from a medical and psychological standpoint. If the facility hasn't considered your therapist's input, this could be important to raise during your appeal or investigation process.
• Workplace policies and reporting. Most healthcare settings have specific protocols for handling disputes, especially concerning patient care and safety. The LPN's actions—pressuring you to perform a treatment against your will—could be considered misconduct.

Steps you can take:

• Document everything. Write down everything that happened, including dates, conversations, and events leading up to the suspension. This could be crucial in your defense.
• Follow up with your therapist: If you haven't already, have your therapist write a letter or explain your condition and how it might have impacted your response to the incident. This could help clarify your mental and emotional state at the time.
• Speak with a legal professional. It might be helpful to consult a lawyer specializing in healthcare or professional licensing. They can guide you in protecting your CNA license and navigating the disciplinary process.
• Stay professional in all communications. Keep your responses professional and focused on facts, not emotions, even when frustrated. This will help you maintain a good standing during the investigation.

If the treatment itself was unsafe, outside your scope, or your actions jeopardized patient safety, that could be a different matter. However, if your actions were driven by your psychological state and the LPN's improper pressure, you can explain this as part of your defense.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[JohnHood, BSN]

Are you talking about a physical altercation or a shouting match? Was the task that you were asked to do within your scope of practice? Were you involved in other tasks at the same time? Do you have a medical reason that would prevent you from completing the task covered by an FMLA? As administration, these are the things I would look at. Your licensing board is concerned with your ability to give safe patient care. That is their only concern. If you have a condition that might impair that ability or endanger a patient, that is what they will look at. A disciplinary action between you and your employer will not concern them unless it affects your ability to provide safe care

[guest1039278]

Not nearly enough info here to understand what's going on. Also, why would "anyone" need to call your therapist for you? Like as in your coworkers need to call your therapist? I am at a loss as to why you have this expectation.