Nurses have a responsibility to maintain professional standards in order to be able to provide quality care to their patients. To ensure the integrity of the nursing profession, the Kentucky Board of Nursing has a list of violations that could result in the suspension or revocation of your nursing license.
Understanding what those infractions are can be essential to avoiding an unfortunate circumstance. Here are three things that could result in losing your nursing credentials.
1. Conviction of certain felonies or misdemeanors
Kentucky doesn’t disqualify someone from a position based on a criminal conviction without considering the nature and seriousness of the crime and how much time has passed, the relationship between the crime and the occupation, and how the crime impacts the person’s ability, capacity, and fitness to do their duties. Convictions that relate to drugs, alcohol, fraud, the falsification of records or physical harm to others are most likely to result in issues for a nursing license.
2. Conviction of sex acts with a minor or a patient
Not only are these considered illegal, but they also violate the trust placed in healthcare professionals. For public safety, sexual misconduct will result in disciplinary actions, including the loss of your nursing license.
3 Misuse or misappropriation of drugs meant for others
Nurses are entrusted to administer medications to patients in the prescribed manner. Diverting, stealing or using their drugs puts patient safety and well-being at risk. Therefore, Kentucky’s Board of Nursing enforces strict guidelines to ensure the integrity of the nursing profession and protect the patients.
Losing your nursing license would severely impact your livelihood and finances. If you are facing a disciplinary situation that could lead to the suspension or revocation of your license, it’s imperative that you discuss your case with someone who can help you fight the charges.