What To Know About Unprofessional Conduct In Nursing

What To Know About Unprofessional Conduct In Nursing

Nurses are held to high ethical and professional standards to protect patient safety and maintain trust in the healthcare system. When these standards are not upheld, it can lead to actions that negatively affect both the nurse's career and their license.

Understanding what constitutes unprofessional conduct in nursing and how it can impact your ability to practice is key to safeguarding your future.

What Is Unprofessional Conduct in Nursing?

Unprofessional conduct refers to actions that break ethical, moral, or legal guidelines. These behaviors can harm patients, violate state laws, or damage the reputation of the nursing profession. Nurses are expected to follow strict standards to protect both their patients and their licenses.

Common Examples of Unprofessional Conduct

Several actions can be considered unprofessional in nursing. These include:

• Falsifying Patient Records: Changing or fabricating medical documents is a serious offense. It undermines patient safety and can lead to disciplinary action.
• Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol while on duty impairs judgment and poses significant risks to patients.
• Medication Errors: Administering the wrong drug or dosage can cause harm. Nurses must follow established protocols to prevent such mistakes.
• Neglecting Protocols: Failing to adhere to safety measures, such as proper sanitation or infection control, puts patients at risk.
• Unprofessional Behavior Towards Patients: This includes verbal abuse, disrespectful actions, or inappropriate behavior toward patients, which can harm the therapeutic relationship.
• Working While Impaired: Nurses who work while fatigued or impaired due to physical or mental health conditions may jeopardize their ability to perform safely, putting patients at risk.

These behaviors can lead to investigations by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). In some cases, result in license suspension or revocation.

Consequences of Unprofessional Conduct

If a nurse is found guilty of unprofessional conduct, the consequences can be severe. Depending on the violation, penalties may include suspension or even permanent revocation of the nursing license.

Even minor infractions can result in probation or required additional training. Nurses accused of unprofessional conduct should act quickly to address the issue.

Without legal help, the BON may swiftly move to suspend or revoke your license. A nursing license defense attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process of responding to the allegations.

Defending Against Unprofessional Conduct Allegations

If you are facing allegations, getting legal representation is important. A nurse license reinstatement lawyer can help nurses whose licenses have been revoked. They can guide you through the reinstatement process and increase your chances of successfully regaining your license.

Texas Nurse Lawyer knows how a disciplinary issue can threaten your career. Our team has extensive experience handling complex cases and helping nurses defend their licenses. With over 600 cases handled, we can help you navigate the allegations and achieve a favorable outcome.

Our team includes four Doctors in Nursing (DNP and Ph.D.), who assist in responding to allegations with evidence from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). We’ve built strong relationships with investigators over the past 17 years, representing over 180 active cases, with some cases lasting from 1 to 3 years or more.

How to Avoid Unprofessional Conduct

To prevent allegations of unprofessional conduct, nurses must follow the Texas Board of Nursing’s guidelines. Staying up to date with training, maintaining ethical standards, and consistently providing safe care are important to protecting your career. Regular self-assessment and adherence to protocols will help you avoid making costly mistakes.

If you are accused of unprofessional conduct, acting fast is key to protecting your career. Contact a nursing license defense attorney to guide you through the process and defend your right to practice.