Medical professionals are surrounded by illicit drugs, and, with the emotional toll these jobs can take along with compensation that doesn't always reflect nurses' importance, the temptation to use or even sell can be strong. However, the recent case of a Cedar Rapids nursing home caregiver has rightfully grabbed headlines and increased worries about just how common cases of drug abuse are among nurses and other caregivers.

While the case is shocking, it also feeds into a general paranoia about what happens behind closed hospital or nursing home doors. Worries about how our loved ones are treated can sometimes collide with such paranoia and end up embroiling innocent victims in a nightmarish legal battle.

The Cedar Rapids Nurse Suspension

The Iowa Board of Nursing suspended nurse Tiffany Banghart after a series of complaints and, ultimately, arrests. The case began in July 2022 when Banghart was charged with initiating a relationship with a patient for personal gain—trying to get $8,000. She admitted to accepting the patient's money, and her nursing license was put on probation for a year.

But just over a month later, Banghart was arrested for theft and possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. While that case was pending, she was working at a nursing home, Heritage Specialty Care, and was reported by an administrator for appearing to be under the influence of drugs. Banghart refused a drug test and was ultimately fired. After two more drug-related arrests and charges against Banghart, the nursing board filed charges stating that she was “unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.” The board finally suspended her license indefinitely.

Nurse Misconduct

State nursing boards are charged with disciplining nurses for a number of offenses, from DUI's to not adequately performing their duties. Nursing boards will investigate claims they receive and may put nurses on probation, suspend, or even revoke licenses.

Losing a Nursing License

Losing a nursing license is serious and can have long-term effects on your livelihood and emotional and physical well-being. The consequences go well beyond simply loss of your income. It can have disastrous effects on your patients, disrupt your carefully built career, and make you ultimately lose your license. You may lose not only your income but also your reputation, making finding other work in the medical field—or any field—difficult.

The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is comprised of committed and experienced advocates who will protect healthcare workers' rights.

The Lento Law Firm's premier Professional License Defense Team can help you with your nursing or other professional license challenges. Their years of nationwide experience set them apart. Call 888.535.3686 for skilled and experienced attorney defense.