Nursing boards hold nurses to high professional standards both within their careers and their private lives. This is one career where actions off the clock can directly impact the job.
How does my personal life impact my nursing license?
The state nursing board works to keep the public safe by making sure those who serve as nurses provide quality care. Certain personal activities can trigger an official investigation.
In a recent example, police pulled over a nurse after another driver accused him of aggressive driving. The other driver says the nurse got mad when he would not let him merge, threw a cup of coffee at his vehicle, waved a gun at him, and tried to run him off the road. The nurse now faces charges for assault. If the prosecution can support these allegations, the nurse could face more than just criminal penalties. A conviction could trigger a nursing board investigation that could result in a suspension or, if previous offenses are present or other facts support more severe penalties, revocation of his nursing license.
A police stop for drunk driving could also trigger an investigation. The board will likely look into the severity of the offense (property damage, injury, or death to others), review the circumstances, and check for any history of previous offenses. Actions to avoid future violations, like counseling or rehab, can help.
What should I do if I get a ticket?
If you get a ticket or are notified of an investigation by the board, know that you have options. This is not something you need to go through alone. Legal counsel can represent your interests and better ensure a favorable outcome.
