In most lines of work, if you do something wrong, or are not good enough at your job, you might get fired. However, there is usually nothing to stop you from heading out and finding another job doing the same thing.
Things are different for nurses. You depend upon having a valid professional license to work. Failing to meet the standards required by your role could result in you losing your license and having to look for an entirely different career.
These are some of the reasons that the California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) may challenge your right to hold a license:
- Criminal convictions: This does not need to be due to something that happened at work. Being found guilty of certain criminal charges outside of work could see you lose your license.
- Drink or drugs: Issues with alcohol or drugs could be enough for the BRN to take away your license. There is a rehabilitation program available as an alternative in some instances. Crimes related to pharmaceuticals are also likely to end your career.
- Falling to keep private information safe: Failing to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) could put your license at risk.
- Fraudulent behavior: Falsifying patient records or pretending to be qualified in something you are not could all lead to disciplinary action.
- Unprofessional conduct: As a nurse, you must adhere to specific standards of behavior. Failure to meet the necessary criteria for how you interact with patients, colleagues and public members could result in a hearing with the BRN.
Seek experienced legal help if you need to defend your California nursing license. Your future is at stake.
