Hey boo hey!
Let’s get real for a moment—your nursing license is your livelihood, and protecting it is non-negotiable.
Over the years, I’ve had to deal with tough situations as a leader, from terminating staff to reporting incidents.
None of it is easy, but it’s part of ensuring patient safety and maintaining professional standards.
If you’re wondering what can lead to disciplinary actions, here are few:
1. Falsifying Documentation
Just last week, I talked about this. I had to terminate a nurse because their false documentation contributed to a patient’s negative outcome. Worse, I had to report it to the BON.
Remember: If it’s not done, don’t chart it. Honesty in documentation protects you, your patients, and your license.
2. Patient Abuse or Neglect
This is one of the hardest things to handle. Over the years, I’ve had to report both nursing assistants and nurses for abuse or neglect.
Pro Tip: Review abuse prevention monthly at your staffing meetings. A thorough investigation is key to ensuring fairness and accuracy.
3. Practicing Beyond Your Scope
If you have to ask, “Is this within my scope?”—don’t do it. Always know your boundaries and stick to your role. Protect your patients and your license by working within your training and certifications.
4. Drug Diversion
I’ve seen more cases of this than I care to count. Diverting medications or testing positive for substances can result in immediate termination and reporting to the BON.
Good news: There are assistance programs for nurses struggling with substance abuse. Seek help before it’s too late.
5. HIPAA Violations
You’d think this would be an easy one to follow, but I’ve seen too many people slip up—discussing patient information publicly or accessing records without a valid reason.
Take HIPAA seriously. Patient privacy is no joke, and violations can cost you your job and your license.
6. Criminal Activity
I get it, boo—you want to let loose at the club. But if you’re drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.
DUIs and other criminal charges, even outside of work, can have a direct impact on your license.
7. Unprofessional Conduct
I’ve seen it too often—nurses arguing with one another in front of patients. It’s not only embarrassing, but it also undermines trust and professionalism.
Keep the drama out of the workplace. This can also include accepting gifts from patients
8. Failure to Maintain Competency
Stay on top of your continuing education requirements. Nursing evolves, and keeping up with your skills is crucial to providing safe, effective care.
My Personal Experience
There was a time in my life when I was going through a lot—navigating a divorce, caring for my mother, adjusting to single mom life and trying to keep it all together.
My head just wasn’t in the right space, and it showed in a moment that I’ll never forget.
I received a call about a resident-to-resident event. It didn’t even register to me at the time that I needed to escalate and report it.
Thankfully, no one was harmed, but when I realized the mistake, I was absolutely distraught.
The Lesson Learned
This experience was a wake-up call. It reminded me of the critical importance of being fully present in my role, even when life feels overwhelming.
Reporting incidents isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting our residents and ensuring accountability within our teams.
Here’s what I took away from that moment:
Always Pause and Process: When a situation arises, take a moment to think clearly about what needs to be done.
Have a System: Create checklists or protocols to ensure nothing gets missed, especially during high-stress times.
Communicate Clearly: Train your team to escalate issues and notify you immediately for events that require reporting.
Moving Forward
I share this story because I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed and distracted.
Life happens, and we’re human.
But as nurse leaders, we have a responsibility to protect those under our care and uphold the highest standards of accountability.
Let this be a reminder: even in your toughest moments, lean on your systems, your team, and your purpose.
Protect Yourself and Your Patients
Every one of these issues can be avoided with vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to your profession.
Proactive Steps to Protect Your License:
Stay educated on policies, procedures, and regulations.
Document thoroughly and truthfully.
Know your scope of practice and stick to it.
Build a culture of accountability and respect in your workplace.
Your license isn’t just a piece of paper—it represents your hard work, dedication, and passion for nursing.
Don’t let avoidable mistakes take that away from you.
Lead with love and purpose. ❤️
#NursingLeadership #AccountabilityInNursing #ProtectYourLicense #FailureToReport #PatientSafety #NurseLife
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