10 Ways To Lose Your Nursing License And How You Can Avoid Them

10 Ways To Lose Your Nursing License And How You Can Avoid Them

If you are a nurse in Texas, losing your nursing license can have serious consequences for your career. You have worked hard to get where you are. The last thing you want is to face disciplinary actions from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
Knowing the ways to lose nursing license can help you stay on track and protect your professional future. You will be able to avoid potential pitfalls and keep your license intact by understanding the risks.
Nurses in Texas are required to uphold high standards of care and professionalism. The Texas BON enforces these standards to protect patient safety and the integrity of the profession. Violating these standards can result in a range of disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of your nursing license.
Let us outline the common ways to lose nursing license, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find yourself at risk of disciplinary action.

Substance Abuse or Impairment

Substance abuse is one of the most significant risks that can lead to the loss of a nursing license. If a nurse is caught working while impaired, it can result in immediate consequences. Even if the impairment occurs off-duty, it can still affect your license if it impacts your ability to safely offer care.

In Texas, nurses must notify the BON if they are arrested or convicted for DUI or any criminal offenses related to drugs or alcohol. Failure to report such charges can be grounds for disciplinary action.

Substance abuse or impairment can also occur when a nurse misuses prescription medication, including narcotics or other controlled substances. This behavior jeopardizes patient safety and can lead to a revocation of your nursing license.

To avoid this risk, nurses should seek help if they are struggling with substance abuse. Many nursing boards, including the Texas BON, have diversion programs that allow nurses to enter treatment and avoid losing their license.

Participating in a recovery program can help demonstrate that you are taking the necessary steps to address the issue and safeguard your professional future.

Criminal Convictions

A criminal conviction is another common reason that nurses lose their licenses. The Texas BON requires nurses to report any criminal convictions to the Board within 30 days. This includes both felonies and misdemeanors. Even if you have been convicted of a crime unrelated to nursing, the BON may still decide that it impacts your ability to practice safely.

If a nurse is convicted of a serious crime, such as theft, assault, or drug-related offenses, it can raise concerns about their fitness to offer patient care. The Texas BON will investigate the situation to determine if the nurse’s criminal activity poses a threat to patient safety.

If you face criminal charges, it is important to report them to the Texas BON promptly. Consulting a nursing license defense attorney is advisable to understand how the conviction might impact your career and what steps you can take to minimize the consequences.

Professional Misconduct

Professional misconduct encompasses a wide range of behaviors that violate the ethical standards of nursing. This can include actions like falsifying medical records, neglecting patient care, or engaging in unethical behavior.

Nurses are always expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Any deviation from these expectations can lead to disciplinary actions.

For example, if a nurse fails to properly administer medication or neglects to monitor a patient’s condition, this could be considered professional misconduct. It can also include inappropriate conduct such as verbal abuse of patients or coworkers.

To avoid allegations of professional misconduct, nurses should always strive to offer the best care possible. Follow the guidelines set forth by the Texas Nursing Practice Act, maintain accurate records, and communicate clearly with your team.

Violating the Scope of Practice

Each nurse in Texas has a defined scope of practice based on their education, training, and licensure. For instance, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) has a different scope of practice than a Registered Nurse (RN). If a nurse performs tasks outside their designated scope, they risk losing their license.

Violating the scope of practice could involve performing procedures or administering treatments that are beyond your qualifications. For example, an LVN who attempts to perform tasks typically reserved for an RN could be subject to disciplinary action.

Nurses must familiarize themselves with the Texas Nursing Practice Act to understand the full extent of their responsibilities.

Failure to Report Mistakes

Mistakes happen. However, failing to report significant errors or accidents can result in serious consequences. Nurses are required to report mistakes, such as medication errors, immediately. If a nurse fails to report an error, especially one that endangers a patient’s health, it can be considered negligence.

If a nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient and does not report it, the Texas BON may view this as an attempt to cover up the mistake. This could lead to suspension or even permanent revocation of your nursing license.

To avoid this, always be honest and transparent when reporting errors. Document the incident and follow the proper reporting protocols. Demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and learning from your mistakes can help preserve your reputation and license.

Incompetence or Negligence

Nurses are expected to offer competent care based on their training and experience. Incompetence or negligence, if it is due to lack of knowledge or failure to follow established procedures, can result in disciplinary action.

If a nurse repeatedly demonstrates poor judgment or a failure to perform tasks correctly, the Texas BON may take action. For example, a nurse who administers improper doses of medication due to lack of understanding or attention to detail may face license suspension or revocation.

To avoid this risk, nurses should maintain their skills through continuing education and ongoing training. The Texas BON requires nurses to complete continuing education courses as part of the nurse license renewals process. Keeping up with current best practices helps make sure that you are offering the highest standard of care and reduces the risk of errors.

Unprofessional or Abusive Behavior

Unprofessional conduct, including abusive behavior towards patients or coworkers, is unacceptable in nursing practice. Nurses are expected to demonstrate respect, empathy, and professionalism at all times. Verbal abuse, physical abuse, or inappropriate comments can result in serious consequences–including the loss of your license.

Even if you are under stress or dealing with difficult patients, it is necessary to maintain your professionalism. The Texas BON will investigate any complaints of abusive behavior and determine if disciplinary action is necessary.

To avoid this risk, nurses should always treat patients and colleagues with respect and professionalism. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, it is important to seek support and manage your emotions in a constructive manner.

Failure to Complete Continuing Education

Texas requires nurses to complete continuing education as part of the license renewal process. Failure to meet the continuing education requirements can result in a suspended or expired license. Nurses must stay current on the latest practices, treatments, and regulatory requirements to offer safe and effective care.

In addition to completing required courses, nurses should keep track of their nurse license renewals and make sure that they submit all necessary documentation before their license expires.

Falsifying Documents or Records

Falsifying medical records or documentation is a serious offense that can lead to the loss of your nursing license. This could include altering patient charts, omitting important information, or creating false reports.

The Texas BON treats falsification of records as a violation of ethical standards and takes swift action when such cases are reported.

To avoid this, always make sure that your documentation is accurate, truthful, and timely. If you make an error in your documentation, correct it according to the facility’s policies and inform the appropriate parties.

Ignoring Ethical Guidelines

Nurses are held to ethical standards that prioritize patient care and safety. Ignoring or failing to adhere to these ethical guidelines can result in disciplinary actions. This can include failing to maintain patient confidentiality, engaging in conflicts of interest, or violating patient rights.

Ethical violations can be as serious as clinical errors. To avoid ethical violations, nurses should familiarize themselves with the ethical guidelines offered by their employer, the Texas Board of Nursing, and professional nursing organizations.

Protecting Your Nursing License in Texas

There are many ways to lose nursing license in Texas. Substance abuse, criminal convictions, professional misconduct, and other violations can lead to disciplinary action–including the loss of your nursing license. Understanding the risks and taking steps to avoid them helps you protect your career and continue providing high-quality care to your patients.

If you are facing disciplinary action or need assistance with nurse license reinstatement, it is important to consult with a nursing license defense attorney. Legal experts can help you present a strong defense and protect your professional future.

Texas Nurse Lawyer has handled over 600 nursing license cases. We navigate disciplinary procedures with deep expertise. With 17+ years of experience, we’ve worked with every investigator and currently represent over 180 cases. If you're facing disciplinary action, contact us today to explore how we can help.