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I've read that it is considered wise to have legal counsel accompany one when summoned before the Board. That is supposed to be what that clause in your malpractice insurance is for. I certainly wouldn't go before the Board without my attorney tagging along.
I second that. The BON is NOT the nurses' friend. They're out to protect the public first and foremost; the nurse's interests are considered second if considered at all.
You could be as innocent as a newborn baby, and I'd still tell you to take an attorney with you if you have to stand in front of the BON.
Best of luck with this.
Did I mention I am a single one income family with no funds for an attorney? They said it is an informal meeting set to decide if a hearing will be necessary.I have to meet with the Board of Nursing regarding an anonymous complaint back from 2 years ago. All HR records from all my employers were requested. Not sure what to expect.
No, taking an attorney would show the Board that you are not about to be pushed out of your livelihood so easily. Look around on this website and you can find instances of people posting that they wished they had an attorney with them when they went before the Board. Go to the nso dot com website and read the case reports presented there. Why won't they tell you what the problems are if there is nothing to it? There is nothing from the Board that is a small matter. The only legal advice we can give here is to advise you to seek the help of an attorney. Check with your local Bar Association, (in the yellow pages), and get hooked up with their Modest Means Panel. The initial visit should cost $20 or $25. TAANA might be able to provide an attorney who will assist within your means to pay. Use the legal benefits from your malpractice insurance; as stated before, that is what that coverage is for. Good luck.
Agreed. If the BON is actively getting involved, then it's not "nothing." And the fact that it's informal doesn't mean that lawyers aren't welcome.
Yes, having to pay for an attorney can suck especially when you don't have the money to spare for it. But having disciplinary actions on or possibly losing your license sucks even more because your future career and income are affected.
Again, good luck whatever you decide.
I have to meet with the Board of Nursing regarding an anonymous complaint back from 2 years ago. All HR records from all my employers were requested. Not sure what to expect.
I've had the displeasure of dealing with the BON in this capacity. I found them to be very professional and concerned about my well being as well as doing what they needed to to ensure that I was safe to practice. Maybe I just got lucky, but it didn't seem like they were out to "get" me. And if the complaint is two years old, I can't imagine that it would be THAT serious, or they would have gotten to it a little sooner.
nancynurse227
5 Posts
I have to meet with the Board of Nursing regarding an anonymous complaint back from 2 years ago. All HR records from all my employers were requested. Not sure what to expect.