Reasons Nurses Face License Disciplinary Actions and How to Defend Against Them

Nursing is a highly respected and demanding profession critical in the healthcare sector. Nurses are entrusted with the health and well-being of their patients, making their responsibilities and ethical obligations dominant. However, despite their dedication and hard work, nurses face disciplinary actions regarding their licenses. These actions can have serious consequences, potentially risking their career and their passion to provide care. All nurses at all stages – both seasoned and amateur – need to understand the reasons behind the disciplinary action and how to defend against them. This article will explore the various reasons nurses face license disciplinary actions and how they can defend against them.

Substance Abuse or Impairment

Substance abuse and impairment are significant concerns that arise from the high-stress environment and demands of health care. Nurses who are alleged to be involved in alcohol or drug abuse are always at risk of disciplinary action, which can threaten their professional license. The consequences of being found impaired can be severe, leading to license suspension or revocation, which can negatively impact future employment opportunities. However, there are things you can do to lessen these penalties if you find yourself in this state. The most beneficial step is finding a Texas nursing license defense attorney to walk you through this disciplinary action.

Negligence and Malpractice

Nurses who fail to provide appropriate care, administer wrong medications, or communicate poorly with colleagues are at risk of a negligence or malpractice claim. Such claims can lead to an investigation by the medical board, eventually leading to your license suspension. To defend against negligence and malpractice claims, you need to maintain proper documentation, adhere to established protocol, and engage the service of a Texas nursing license defense attorney.

Unprofessional Conduct

Unprofessional conducts are those behaviors that violate the ethical and professional standards expected of nurses. Actions such as sleeping on duty, falsifying documents, verbal abuse, inappropriate interaction with patients, physical aggression, and harassment can threaten a patient's safety, which can undermine the integrity of the healthcare environment. Such conduct can lead to severe consequences, including disciplinary measures from the Texas State Board, which can impact your career as a nurse. Preventing this is essential to maintaining professionalism. When you find yourself alleged of misconduct, you need legal representation from an attorney who specializes in nursing law to guide you through the disciplinary action.

Criminal Conviction

Certain types of criminal convictions are particularly concerning and can lead to disciplinary action by the state nursing board. A conviction related to theft, drug-related offenses, trafficking, fraud, domestic violence, assault, sexual offenses, or driving under the influence can raise red flags for the Texas Nursing Board as it may indicate your inability to perform your duties safely and responsibly. To navigate these challenges, if you find yourself involved in a crime, you can seek legal counsel from a nursing attorney in Texas who will help you maintain transparency throughout the disciplinary action.

Insubordination

Insubordination is when you refuse to follow lawful and reasonable orders from your superior or disregard standard protocols within the health community. Such behavior can disrupt team dynamics, compromise patient care, and lead to serious disciplinary action against the nurse involved. If you receive a complaint of insubordination against your person, contact a Texas nursing license defense attorney who will advise you on the necessary steps to take.