Board of Nursing Disciplinary Investigations

I spoke this month at the Mid Ohio Nurses Association Job Fair http://www.modna.org/ and The American Association of Nurse Attorneys seminar http://www.taana.org. Both events were held in Columbus, Ohio on April 10, 2008. I also presented at the Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Ohio Annual Student Convention in Columbus this month.

There were lots of questions about disciplinary investigations. Most nurses did not realize that the investigative process was adversarial. Because I represent nurses in disciplinary investigations, I announced at the beginning of the presentation that the content would be presented in a neutral and fair manner with no self-promotion.

Furthermore, the majority of nurses in these types of cases, in my opinion will never seek attorney representation. Therefore the CE presents an awareness of the attending issues in disciplinary investigation and the consequences of action against the license. In my opinion, most nurses don't appreciate the adverserial nature of the proceedings and investigations until well into the process and even then rely on the advice and counsel of friends, family, and nursing colleagues. 

If you have the opportunity to hear an attorney speak in your jurisdiction about Nursing Board investigations, I would suggest that you attend.