Nursing is the largest occupation in the medical industry. There are nearly three million Registered Nurses (RNs) in the United States, and just under 700,000 of them are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Criminal charges on nurses license and medical malpractice suits are very serious and can result in a permanent ban on your professional licensing or worse. From 2003 to 2013, there were 2,791 medical malpractice payments. Being knowledgeable on the elements of malpractice and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself can save your career.
What To Do
If you’re a licensed nurse and you get a letter from the department of consumer affairs about a potential malpractice suit or a licensing issue, you need to act fast. The more time you waste, the more damage you could be doing. The most important thing is that you should act fast and get help as soon as you can. Consult an attorney for nurses who specializes in professional licensing and medical malpractice. Also, you should notify your employer and your insurance company. Beware to not discuss the case with anyone other than a nurse defense attorney.
Knowledgeable
There are many acts that can result in a removal of professional licensing in and out of the office: driving under the influence, theft, fraud and forgery, sexual misconduct, and various other criminal charges. Regarding medical malpractice, being knowledgeable about what constitutes a malpractice case is important for anyone in the medical field. Here are some elements of medical malpractice to keep in mind:
- Failure to monitor patient
- Improper documentation
- Withholding important information
- Causing harm to anyone due to negligence
Prevention
Preventing these issues can be easy if you are paying attention, have a successful defense strategy, and follow the rules. It can save you from a very stressful process.
- Don’t try anything you haven’t been trained on
- Have malpractice insurance and an attorney beforehand
- Have an open, honest communication with patients and superiors
- Proper documentation
- Know when to contact a professional license defense attorney
Nursing can be one of the most stressful occupations in the world, especially with medical malpractice suits hovering over your shoulders. It is extremely important to take the necessary steps to avoid any wrongdoing, so that that your nursing license can remain in your possession. Just be careful, don’t panic, and get help as soon as possible if you need it.
