How to Manage a Complaint (and Protect Your Nursing License!)

This is important information for every nurse to know and be reminded of periodically, but I take exception to one suggestion offered: acting proactively. In matters of DWI or chemical dependency it may be better if prior to confessing to an employer, the nurse discusses the matter with an attorney specializing in professional issues in the applicable state. As noted in the book "Unbecoming A Nurse" all states have different statutes regarding professional practice and the handling of chemical dependency in nurses licensed. While acting proactively regarding either DWI or chemical dependency usually includes pulling out all the stops and getting a professional evaluation and following up with treatment recommendations ASAP, rather than allowing the disease to progress, discussing the exact nature of the situation with an attorney prior to making any formal statements is a good idea. Many attorneys will confer on the phone for up to a half hour to ellicit pertinent information and provide some information without charging a fee. Some nursing associations do have lists of attorneys competent in this area of law. If able, get a referral from a nurse who used an attorney rather than the yellow pages. If an attorney seems a bad fit, for whatever reason, talk to another. The selection of the right attorney, early-on, may save you money, job and license. Paula Davies Scimeca, RN, MS