When you are faced with a complaint or discipline regarding your conduct as a nurse, it can feel not only devastating, but isolating. As nurses, we are proud of the care we provide our patients, and if you have a complaint filed against you or other allegations of misconduct, you may feel as if you have no one with whom you can talk about it.

But the truth is that you are not alone; many good nurses find themselves in the same position every year. You deserve support when you are facing a disciplinary matter so that you can tell your side of the story and understand what steps to take next.

Nurse attorney Jackie L. Russell understands what nurses go through when there are allegations of misconduct against them—and how to address them. If you are facing a nursing disciplinary matter, Contact Jackie L. Russell today.

Dealing with Allegations of Nurse Misconduct

There are many issues that can arise in a nursing setting. Some of them are fully within a nurse’s control, and many of them are not. Here are some of the most common types of nursing disciplinary matters we see:

Scope of Practice Violations

Anytime a nurse acts beyond the scope of their license or training, they commit what is called a “scope of practice” violation. Examples include performing an invasive procedure without training or an intervention that is outside the nurse’s competency.

As a nurse, you are responsible for understanding guidelines around your scope of practice, and adhering to them. However, there may be situations in which an alleged scope of practice violation is not your fault, such as where your employer requires you to do things you don’t feel adequately trained for.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are unfortunately common, and often the result of unclear orders or an overworked nursing staff. Medication errors can include administering the wrong medication or dosage, or improper documentation of the medication that was administered.

Ethical Violations

Nurses abide by a strict code of professional ethics, and violation of this code is a common disciplinary matter. Ethical violations may include breaches of patient confidentiality like discussing private patient information in a setting where it might be overheard; committing fraud; or developing an inappropriate relationship with a patient or their family member.

Lack of Competence

As a nurse, you take pride in having a certain level of knowledge and skill. That competence is necessary to effectively treat patients and keep them safe. Examples of a lack of competence might include failing to conduct thorough assessments or adhere to infection control protocols, or consistent documentation errors.

Unprofessional Conduct

Unprofessional conduct by one nurse can reflect poorly on the profession as a whole. Behavior that is considered unprofessional conduct may take place in the workplace, such as caring for patients while impaired by alcohol or drugs, harassing colleagues or patients, or trying to avoid accountability for workplace misconduct. But actions outside of work can also fall under the umbrella of unprofessional conduct, like inappropriate posting on social media.

Drug Diversion

Drug diversion happens when a medical professional steals, misdirects or uses medicine intended for patient care in an unauthorized way. Tampering with medication, such as diluting it, to conceal theft or misuse is also considered drug diversion. Whatever the reason for drug diversion, it is on the rise across the country, and it poses a serious threat to patient safety.

If you have been accused of one of these types of misconduct, or other actions that could subject you to discipline, it’s important not to panic—but it’s also important to make sure that you have the best legal advice and protection.

Work with a Skilled, Compassionate Minnesota Nurse Attorney

If you are facing a disciplinary matter, you deserve to have your side of the story told by someone who understands not only the law, but the nursing profession and the setting in which nurses work. An experienced nurse attorney is the one person in the process who is on your side, working to help you resolve the matter you are facing and protect your interests in the process.

Nurse attorney Jackie L. Russell worked as a Nursing Practice Specialist for six years, representing the interests of 22,000 nurses in Minnesota and the Midwest. In that capacity, she regularly counseled nurses regarding scope of practice and other disciplinary issues, often enabling them to resolve concerns before official action needed to be taken. She now represents nurses throughout Minnesota in a wide range of disciplinary matters to ensure that they are dealt with fairly and have their voices heard.

If you have been accused of misconduct or are facing a practice issue or disciplinary issue, contact Jackie L. Russell to explore your options and get the defense you deserve.