I see lots of confusion here on allnurses.com about risks to a nurse's license versus risk to their employment status and risk of being sued. For example, a member asked if her license was at risk for not reporting for work during a hurricane, another during a blizzard. Another thought action might be taken against her by the BON for allowing management to assign untrained staff (dietary and housekeeping) as CNA's. Recently, a member asked if others felt a nurse should be disciplined by the BON for being a no call/no show seven shifts in a row. As our legal expert, could you possibly shed some light on the differences in possible consequences for a nurse when bad things happen to good and not so good people in nursing?
I understand this whole thing can be confusing. You are talking about 2 areas of law. One is employment law which regulates what your employer can and can't do as well as when an employee can be terminated. And second is administrative law for reporting to the Board. However, those 2 areas can overlap.
The Board of Nursing considers that when a nurse does not call and fails to show up for work, it is patient abandonment. So, even if you may be terminated and think that would be the proper remedy, the Board can still act under the theory of patient abandonment.
Just remember, you are a nurse 24/7 and any actions you take in your personal life or in your employment can result in a matter before the Nursing Board. Anyone can report you to the Board.
I don't mean to scare you, however, ask yourself that if you were videoed 24/7, what would the Board think of your actions?