Developing Strength

Being human is  the greatest gift.  We have the ability to connect with our soul and connect our soul with God and through knowing and experiencing His love we can expand that knowing and celebration of life to others.  That is what motivates me to reach out to other nurses who experience the challenge of facing a state board investigation or discipline.  It takes time to recover from the initial shock and the way in which the board investigator may contact and relate to the nurse.  There can be a calm reaction if the nurse is aware of how to handle such a situation and that is what this is about.  Letting nurses know to become proactive by having a prepaid insurance plan and to find a lawyer who specializes in license law.  It is proper and appropriate to give this information to the board when approached and ask the person to contact your attorney and set up an appointment where you can be present.  

I would like to see a 24/7 hot line for nurses so that they can have someone to turn to so that they feel supported during a very scary ordeal that leave many who do not know how to approach the situation through a lawyer feeling that their only option is to hand in their license.  

It is often during times of stress that we grow and in that process we need support because as anyone who has felt the pressure of stress: for the nurse it may involve paying a fine, having his/her career interrupted for a prolonged time and even indefinitely.  This is particularly difficult for those who are head of households.  I like many American's would like to see the economy improve and for there to be jobs.  It is a difficult time for people generally and nurses need work to support themselves and their families.

Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN) has written two laws to provide oversight by requiring the state board of nursing to report any license that is suspended or revoked within 74 hours as well as any fines over $1,000.  I would like to see these two laws duplicated in each state as I believe that nurses will benefit from this oversight and protection.