Most nurses do not wake up in the morning thinking about the Board of Nursing. They think about their patients. Their charting. Their coworkers. Their family. Their next shift. Their next cup of coffee that will probably be cold before they get to finish it. And that is exactly why stories like this matter. Because while nurses are busy taking care of everyone else, the rules that govern their licenses can change quietly, dramatically, and with life-changing consequences. In Kansas, … [Read more...]
How Long Does Disciplinary Action Stay on a Nurse’s License?
Nursing is a profession built on trust, compassion, and rigorous standards. When a nurse faces disciplinary action, it can have significant repercussions, both professionally and personally. One common concern is how long this disciplinary action remains on a nurse's license. Understanding this is crucial for nurses aiming to navigate their careers post-disciplinary action. Types of Disciplinary Actions Before delving into the duration disciplinary actions remain on a nurse's … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Suspension and Revocation of a Professional License?
If you have a matter before the Board, the Board can do one of four things. One, they can give you a reprimand or censure. It’s like a slap on the wrist, don’t do it again. They can also place your license on probation and you must meet certain conditions in order to continue to practice. This is called an encumbered license. The Board can also suspend your license and revoke your license. Suspension means you will not be able to practice for a certain period of time and … [Read more...]
Who Is Maya Kowalski?
Maya Kowalski, daughter of Registered Nurse Beata Kowalski, was 9 years old in 2015 and suffering debilitating pain. She was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”), resulting in symptoms such as stiffness, spasms, and limited mobility. Her mother was able to find a doctor who was able to properly diagnose her, and he prescribed ketamine treatments to block the pain receptors in Maya’s body, allowing her body to revise the sensitization process. In October 2016, Maya had a … [Read more...]
Can You Refuse An Unsafe Assignment?
Here’s the scene: you walk into work for your 12-hour shift and immediately find yourself facing an exceptionally heavy patient load. What can you do? Your first thought is probably “I don’t want to commit malpractice; I want to provide the best care for my patients, and I want to protect my license.” When you look at the staffing assignments, it can be both overwhelming and stressful. You may be thinking, “How am I going to get this all done and make sure that my patients are provided … [Read more...]
