People are drawn to the nursing profession for a variety of reasons, but at the heart of it, most are motivated by a desire to help others. Despite the challenges and demands of the job, nurses are often driven by a sense of compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives — but becoming a nurse is no easy feat. The educational requirements are rigorous, and obtaining a nursing degree can be a grueling and time-consuming process. Students must complete a demanding curriculum, pass licensing exams, and gain hands-on experience in clinical settings.
Once an individual obtains their nursing license, they must take steps to protect it. One of the easiest ways to do this is to learn from, and avoid making, the same mistakes as others. Five of the most common reasons that nurses find themselves under investigation by the state licensing board include the following.
1. Medication errors
Medication errors remain a leading cause of disciplinary actions against nurses. These errors can result from administering the wrong dosage, incorrect medication, or failing to document properly.
Nurses can avoid making the same mistake by double-checking medication orders and dosages before administration and using technology, such as bar-code scanning, to minimize errors.
2. Breach of patient confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of nursing ethics. Breaching this confidentiality, whether intentionally or accidentally, can lead to severe consequences. Nurses can safeguard patient privacy by familiarizing themselves with HIPAA regulations and hospital policies. It is also wise to avoid discussing patient information in public or unsecured areas.
3. Professional misconduct
Professional misconduct encompasses a range of behaviors, including inappropriate relationships with patients, substance abuse, and unprofessional behavior. It is important to maintain clear boundaries with patients and seek help if struggling with substance abuse.
4. Inadequate documentation
Inadequate or inaccurate documentation can lead to misunderstandings and legal issues. Proper documentation is vital for patient care continuity and legal protection.
Nurses can better ensure they avoid this issue by documenting all patient interactions and care provided. Consistent and thorough documentation practices help nurses avoid potential legal complications.
5. Failure to renew license or meet continuing education requirements
Nurses must keep their licenses current and fulfill continuing education requirements. It is helpful to track license expiration dates and renewal deadlines. Make sure to complete required continuing education courses on time and stay informed about changes in licensing requirements
By staying proactive, nurses can prevent license lapses and continue their practice without interruption.
Nurses face various challenges that can impact their licenses. By understanding the common reasons for disciplinary actions and implementing preventive measures, nurses can protect their careers and continue providing high-quality care. Those who find themselves under investigation are wise to take action. The state licensing board can and likely will move forward with disciplinary action if you do not build a defense to the allegations. You have rights during an investigation and are wise to take steps to protect them.