How much danger are our licenses in... really?

jbudrick, MSN · Jan 20, 2011

I don't know anyone either who had disciplinary action, an investigation or suspension of their licsense. Of course, who would tell about something like that anyway? I do hear nurses using the "it's my license on the line" comment. In a few situations I have even heard managers make "threats" about reporting nurses to the board for things that I doubt would endanger a nurses license. I do believe there are times when a nurse makes a major mistake that her license would be in jeopardy. I have yet to see anyone that I know of who has made a major mistake admit to licensure problems. I consider myself careful and lucky that I have never had a major mistake happen.

Popwhizbangz, LPN · Jan 20, 2011

My sense, based on research and longstanding personal experience, is that nurses overestimate their liability. Avoiding sanctions is not the most effective way to go. Try doing the right thing, doing your best, all the time. You'll do better work that way, and ironically, lower your liability.

TheOracle · Jan 20, 2011

I don't know any personally, but I know of nurses who have had their licenses revoked mainly for drug abuse related issues.

I do personally know nurses who I've often wondered how they still had a license, but I think what that amounts to is that they've never killed a patient or seriously harmed them. So, for the most part they've been lucky.

My own code of nursing involves never attempting to place my accountability or responsibility with another nurse or chance (i.e, administering injection meds I haven't drawn up, signing off on something before it's done, etc).

First do no harm to your patient. Then do no harm to yourself

Trauma Columnist · Jan 20, 2011

This is not something anyone is going to discuss on the Internet. Suffice it to say, I have known several nurses who were forced into rehab for drug offenses. I also personally know a PA who received a reprimand for writing a script for antibiotics for a family member.

diligent-trooper · Jan 20, 2011

Any time one works with a group of women, there will be extreme drama. "You could lose your license, if you look at me wrong." "You could lose your license:nurse: if you burp, and do not say excuse me! People do lose their nursing licenses, and most likely at the same rate as physicians. Provide your patients with the best care, and you won't have to worry about a thang!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

do you receive a bulletin or magazine from your state bon regularly? some state bons send them out and have a list of people who have done something wrong and were given a punishment. other states listthe same information on their website.

i have noticed that patient neglect/harm and substance abuse to be the top two reasons people have actions taken against him/her to include a loss of licensure. there is a list that also includes reinstatements of licensure with a note of explanation or reprimand. the top two reasons i have seen for reinstatement are program completions and investigations that found a lack of evidence.

nurse678 · Jan 20, 2011

Are you from PA? I know about all the instances you are referring to...just wondering :)

INLPN93 · Jan 20, 2011

In the state of IN nurses get a quarterly news magazine.

In the last 4-5 pages are a sometimes lengthy list of nurses who are being reviewed and reprimanded by our BON.

Granted most are drug related with conversion being the top issue.

Some nurses feel this is wrong, but our state allows a nurse to come forward on their own and ask for drug and alcohol rehab with zero reprimand.

If you allow something terrible to happen or are reported and the report is substantiated, you get to be one of the nurses in the ISBN magazine.

I think its a great plan, and we nurses do read the names. You wouldn't believe how many of these offenders try to continue to work under a suspended or revoked license.

Next on list is gross negligence leading to immediate jeopardy or risk of this nurse continuing to practice.

There are reasons to lose your license. But, good critical thinking skills, practicing within your scope and taking immediate care of an addiction issue should keep your license in good standing.

OldNurseEducator · Jan 20, 2011

I will always protect my nursing license. I worked too hard to get it. And all states get rid of nurses. They give druggies a chance to rehabilitate. Why risk it by doing something wrong? I'd NEVER take that chance! :nurse:

Hoozdo, ADN · Jan 20, 2011

In my state, the State Board of Nursing sends out a quarterly magazine. There

is a list of people in trouble with the board. The reasons are not very specific.

In almost every issue I see someone I know - so it is not a rare occurrence in

my state.

CloudySue · Jan 20, 2011

I remember a discussion about this in nursing school, I actually started it. I raised my hand and asked about the likelihood of getting sued, license taken away, etc. and I was surprised that anyone was still practicing at all if the liability was so bad. The instructor very slightly insinuated that there's by-the-book nursing and there's "real-world nursing". I guess the powers that be really need to pick their battles. There's already too much work to be done on a daily basis to go after the smaller, non-dangerous infractions. I suppose if someone had a vendetta against you, they could persue it, so another way to protect yourself is to be a good employee and don't make enemies with people who can destroy your future.