Category: License Protection

These are the words of a nurse’s biggest nightmare. The last thing we want to do is to be sued in a medical malpractice case. But the good news is that it is unlikely that you will be sued because attorneys typically name the hospital. The hospitals have insurance, and they don’t know whether the nurse does. So, typically the […]

It’s an unsettling thought, isn’t it? To consider that in the act of simply doing our job—communicating with patients, families, and colleagues—we might unintentionally put ourselves at risk. A casual comment can be perceived as a definitive medical opinion. A shared moment of empathy can be construed as overstepping professional boundaries. And when things go wrong, the words we spoke […]

We have all heard that you have the right to remain silent anything that you say can and will be used against you. However, we tend to forget this saying when it comes to being asked to speak to our supervisors or even investigators. We want to tell the truth and look good for our supervisor or investigators because we […]

The nursing shortage is one of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today. A recent article proposes a solution that sounds logical at first: shift tasks away from nurses and onto non-skilled workers or technology-enabled support systems. Obviously, this was not a solution promoted by nurses. This approach risks oversimplifying a complex issue and may even exacerbate the problem. Instead […]

Becoming a nurse isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, a journey, and an achievement that requires immense effort, dedication, and heart. Remember those long nights of studying, the anxiety of clinicals, and the joy of finally passing the NCLEX? You’ve poured your soul into this career, and your nursing license is a symbol of that hard work. But here’s […]

In the healthcare profession, nurses hold positions of trust and responsibility. This trust extends not only to patient care but also to upholding the ethical and legal standards that govern their profession. You are a nurse 24/7 and are held to ethical standards whether at work or personal life. One key legal responsibility is self-reporting criminal matters to the appropriate […]

You graduated from nursing school and passed the NCLEX and now you have your first job. The excitement is rampant. You want to be successful but how do you know if the unit norms are in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act or even the facilities policies and procedures? For many new nurses, entering the clinical environment can be an […]

According to Indiana Code § 25-23-1-19.8, before December 31st of every even numbered year, the Board is required to randomly audit at least one per cent (1%) but not more than ten per cent (10%) of the APRNs with authority to prescribe legend drugs. This was enacted last year, and the board is still in the process of auditing. Currently, […]

  How many times have you heard this “If it’s not documented, it was not done?”  I assume many and it is so true. Your documentation will save you every time.  Some common areas where lack of documentation becomes concerning include:  Failing to document Verbal Orders.  It is imperative to document verbal orders.  I hear it all the time from […]

  I don’t think any nurse wakes up in the morning and says I want to do drugs or get drunk today.  I believe substance abuse is a disease.  The part of the brain affected creates such a craving that the person will lie or do things uncharacteristically to get their drug of choice.  Many nurses say “well I don’t […]