License Investigation

[Kimsetay88]

I made a post about my husband sleeping with his girlfriend, I didn’t post a name because I didn’t know it.  She made a complaint to the state board of nursing and they are investigating me!  Do I need an attorney?

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

For a divorce maybe, not for not naming someone online....

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

The BON has better things to do than getting involved in your marriage problems.

[Kimsetay88]

It’s not a marriage problem.  It’s a legal problem. The state board of nursing is investigating my entire career to determine if I can keep my nursing license!  False accusations were made against me. I’m needing advice on if I should send my employment information to this investigator.  Should I try to hire an attorney I can’t afford.  My 25 year career and ability to support my family is being threatened.   I’m scared and asked for help.  No need for you to be rude. 

[chare]

47 minutes ago, Kimsetay88 said:

It’s not a marriage problem.  It’s a legal problem. The state board of nursing is investigating my entire career to determine if I can keep my nursing license!  False accusations were made against me. ...

All of this because you "made  a post about my husband  sleeping with his girlfriend?"  Without mentioning her name?  This seems well out of proportion for what you claim to have done.

51 minutes ago, Kimsetay88 said:

... I’m needing advice on if I should send my employment information to this investigator.  Should I try to hire an attorney I can’t afford.  My 25 year career and ability to support my family is being threatened. ...

If it were me, I would not provide the BON any information without first consulting an attorney experienced representing nurses before the BON.  If you can't find one locally you might try the American Associationof Nurse Attorneys

You wrote that you can't afford a lawyer.  In my opinion, the question you should ask yourself is this, can you afford to lose your license and livelihood?

59 minutes ago, Kimsetay88 said:

... I’m scared and asked for help. ... 

You have every right to be afraid.  

1 hour ago, Kimsetay88 said:

... No need for you to be rude.

I don't think anyone intended to be rude, but your initial post did not indicate the seriousness of the investigation.

Best wishes. 

[Kimsetay88]

I didn’t post her name because I didn’t know it.  She’s complained to the board that I acted immorally.  Which according to the investigator is a reason for the board to investigate.  Thank you for the response. 

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

So the "girlfriend" of a MARRIED man complained to the BON about the OP being immoral....doesn't sound like any investigation I'd be too worried about

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

PA Board of Nursing has a moral clause in Nursing Act, other states have one too.  Since you mention being contacted by an investigator, you need a lawyer immediately.  If you have malpractice insurance, contact carrier tomorrow as they provide representation for BON issues.   Do not post anything further online, do not contact parties involved as can be discoverable, do not speak to any investigator without having spoken to legal advisor.

Follow advice Chare provided to locate legal advice.  Protect your license at all costs.  Be aware,  It can take months to years for Board of Nursing to clear any investigation.  Make sure you apply early for license renewal to prevent any excuse for it not to be renewed as late.   

May you continue to have a longer nursing career with clear license.

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

I think the replies sounded snarky because it sounds so ridiculous and outlandish that this would even be a thing! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I had no idea this COULD even happen. Yes, get a lawyer. You can get one through NSO ASAP, if you are able. 

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

7 hours ago, angeloublue22 said:

I think the replies sounded snarky because it sounds so ridiculous and outlandish that this would even be a thing! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I had no idea this COULD even happen. Yes, get a lawyer. You can get one through NSO ASAP, if you are able. 

The BON investigators are so behind with serious issues, like chemical dependencies, etc, I can't imagine an investigator even saything that this was going anywhere besides the trash can.  It's hard to believe that anyone that's adult enough to be a nurse would do such a stupid thing by posting something so personal.  I have actually had to speak to a few investigators and they are overwhelmed with cases.  Please, OP, just taking this as a very important lesson not to jeopardize yourself like this on social media.  What's the violation here  - a stupid internet posting? But I would get a nurse-attorney anyway.  They can speak to the BON to make sure there is no investigation and you can stop worrying about it.

[FiremedicMike, RN, EMT-P]

OP - don't listen to anyone here who says "they're busy on real cases" and that your case will get blown off.  No one here knows what you've been acused of and frankly it doesn't matter.

Get a lawyer, get it now, and honestly you should reach out to the mods to delete this entire thread.

 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

On 6/14/2022 at 12:34 PM, NICU Guy said:

The BON has better things to do than getting involved in your marriage problems.

Remember to BON is there to protect the public. Nurses are held to a higher standard than the general public and their ability to make sound judgement is always the questionsIn situations such as this the question remains: Did the nurse act in the same manner as a resonably person in the same or similar circumstances would act, This "Girlfriend" could be accusing you of slander which in most states is an act of moral turpitude and can be investigathed by the board. This is why I aleays maintain anonimity on social media. The more public SM sites are mosly about my garden, pets and family, entertainging cat videos and recipes.

Hppy