Nurses are integral to a properly running healthcare system. They directly care for and support patients in their most delicate times of need.
Maintaining a nursing license requires proper on-the-job conduct. Certain types of misconduct compromise patient safety and sometimes lead to the revocation of a nursing license.
Gross negligence
Gross negligence refers to a severe lack of care or concern for the roles inherent in the nursing profession. Examples are ignoring patient needs and failing to perform medical procedures that any competent nurse would. Such disregard can put lives at risk.
Medication errors
While medication miscalculations occasionally happen despite precautions, repeated mistakes reflect ineptitude. Blunders include administering the wrong drug and giving the incorrect dosage. Missteps in this respect can have dire consequences and are grounds for serious disciplinary action.
Patient abuse
Harming someone physically, emotionally or psychologically is a grave violation of nursing ethics. Attacks can be either physical or verbal. Neglect is another form of mistreatment that deserves attention. These occurrences harm patients and weaken the public’s trust in nursing professionals.
Fraudulent behavior
Engaging in dishonest activities, such as falsifying patient records, lying about qualifications or stealing medication for personal use, undermines the integrity of hospitals. Such misconduct reflects serious infractions that licensing boards frown upon.
Substance abuse
Drug addiction impairs a nurse’s ability to provide safe and effective care. If someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty, it severely compromises that person’s decision-making abilities. The potential outcome of a misjudgment can be catastrophic.
Nurses are duty-bound to uphold high standards of professionalism. Even false accusations may trigger the wrath of the nursing board and force loyal caregivers to seek another career path.