Nursing can be a demanding, stressful and even risky profession. People commit years of their lives to education and must then obtain a license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing to work as nurses. They have to maintain that license for as long as they continue working in the medical field.
Certain issues can put nursing licenses at risk. Patient complaints, allegations made by employers and criminal charges could all lead to the revocation or suspension of a nursing license in California. Substance abuse disorders put people in a very vulnerable position, and nurses are generally at an elevated risk when compared with the general public when it comes to developing a substance abuse disorder.
Why nurses are at high risk
Numerous factors contribute to the possibility of a nurse developing a substance abuse disorder. Nurses in hospital settings, in particular, may have more risk of traumatic injuries and overexertion on the job than those in many other professions. Those injuries may lead to them becoming dependent on medication.
The mental stress of their job and the impact that long shifts could have on their other relationships might contribute to a substance abuse disorder developing. Finally, ease of access via patient medications and relationships with medical professionals can easily lead to substance abuse disorders for nurses.
Why addiction endangers licensing
Technically, there are resources available to help nurses with substance abuse disorders, but many people are unaware of those programs. Those who end up arrested for a crime or reported by co-workers or patients could be at risk of disciplinary action.
The California Board of Registered Nursing may revoke the license of someone convicted of certain offenses while practicing medicine. Allegations of misconduct related to prescribed medications could also theoretically lead to professional penalties.
How nurses can protect their careers
After years of education and career development, nurses typically want to continue working in their chosen profession until they are ready to retire. Receiving notice of an upcoming disciplinary hearing from the California Board of Registered Nursing or facing criminal charges does not automatically need to result in the loss of a nursing license.
Nurses who fight the charges that they face and have assistance during disciplinary hearings can potentially avoid the worst-case scenario. Reviewing the situation that may have put a nursing license at risk with a skilled legal team can help medical professionals preserve their careers. Substance abuse disorders require treatment and compassion, not castigation for professionals who have devoted their lives to serving others.
