First, let's be clear that those three things in your title (lose a job, lose a license, and get reported) are very different things.
The most difficult is losing your license. Rose_Queen provided supporting links, but in general you have to do something pretty egregious to have your license revoked. Drug-related incidents and crimes unrelated to work are the most common reasons.
Losing your job is another matter. Most states operate under at-will†employment laws. That basically means that you or your employer may end your employment at any time, for any reason excluding those protected under civil rights legislation. Personality conflicts with the boss or senior staff can and do get nurses fired, even if they are clinically excellent. Privacy violations, unprofessional conduct, or publicly representing yourself in a way that reflects badly on your employer are fair game as well. Nurses let go because a mistake was made or a patient lodges a complaint and the employer wants to appear as though someone is being held responsible? Yep, it happens- not everywhere and not all the time, but it's out there. You can be fired for many, many things that will not cost you your license.
Finally, being reported. This is by far the easiest thing that could happen to a nurse. Anyone can report you to your supervisor or the BON for any reason- legitimate or not. It's the BON's job to determine whether the claims are substantiated. A co-worker set to sabotage you, an irate family member, a well-meaning colleague- all of them can name you in a complaint. It doesn't mean that every claim will be investigated or result in any disciplinary action, though.
The best thing you can do is carry your own personal malpractice/liability insurance. Look for a policy that will pay your lost wages in a wrongful termination suit, or legal fees/provide representation in the event you have to defend yourself in a lawsuit or investigation. In terms of your own practice- be thoughtful and diligent. Follow your state's Nurse Practice Act and your facility's policies and procedures. Document thoroughly. And mind what you say and who you say it around.
