The mistakes and negligence of licensed nurses can result in life-altering or deadly consequences for the patients in their care. In scenarios where licensing authorities, patients or employers can establish that a nurse engaged in gross negligence, the nurse’s state license could be at risk.
Gross negligence can involve a variety of different mistakes while working, including behavior that may not be the result of an intentional choice or oversight on the part of a nurse. In some cases, those working long shifts at hospitals could face gross negligence allegations due to how they have allegedly responded to the demands of their profession.
Falling asleep on duty is gross negligence
Nurses must respond promptly to signs of patient distress and call lights. They need to be ready to react quickly, especially with patients who are under active medical observation. For those working 12-hour shifts at hospitals, being awake and alert for half a day can quickly become a prohibitively difficult job expectation.
Nurses may experience profound fatigue, especially if they work multiple 12-hour shifts in close proximity to one another or stay extra hours due to high demand or a coworker calling in sick. Nurses who are usually diligent while working could doze off during their downtime if they have been on the clock for more than 10 hours. They could then face accusations of gross negligence that could cost them their jobs or their nursing licenses.
Nurses accused of gross negligence due to on-the-job fatigue may need help responding to the allegations against them at a disciplinary hearing. Retaining the support of a nursing license defense attorney can help medical professionals avoid the worst possible consequences for on-the-job issues that could otherwise endanger their careers.
