You've built a career helping others—showing up in the middle of the night, working through double shifts, answering questions that no one else can. So when you get a letter from the North Carolina Board of Nursing—or even a call or text from anyone hinting that something's wrong—it can stop you cold. In that moment, you're thinking: What does this mean for me? For my job? My reputation?
Nurses in the Fayetteville area need a strong defense. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is here to protect your license and your career. We are experienced in professional license defense in North Carolina. Contact us here or at 888.535.3686. We understand how much you give and the pressure you are under.
Accusations in Nursing — It Can Happen to Anyone
Getting a nursing license is no small feat. But even after you've put in the hard work, your license isn't something you can take for granted. State agencies expect you to meet certain professional and ethical standards at all times. When those standards are questioned—fairly or not—your license could be on the line.
Nurses in the Fayetteville area work in high-pressure situations every single day. Mistakes happen. So do misunderstandings. Sometimes, it's a charting issue. Sometimes it's a patient complaint that gets misinterpreted. Other times, it's something more serious—an allegation involving substance use, a misstep during patient care, or a conflict with a colleague that escalates beyond your control.
No matter the cause, once the North Carolina Board of Nursing receives a complaint, the process begins. And it's rarely simple.
You might be asked for a written response. You might be pulled into an investigation. You could be facing temporary suspension, restrictions on your license, or—if things escalate—a full hearing before the Board.
Types of Complaints That Can Threaten a Nurse's License
Here are some common complaints against nurses:
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Practice-Related Complaints
Claims that a nurse didn't follow the accepted standard of care, like missing a change in a patient's condition, not following treatment orders, poor documentation, or improper medication administration. If no harm actually occurred, then a warning may suffice. -
Drug-Related Complaints
Allegations of stealing patient meds, pretending drugs were administered when they weren't, working while impaired, or trying to fill fake prescriptions. -
Boundary Violations
Accusations that a nurse crossed professional lines, such as asking a patient for money or favors, or using the nurse–patient relationship for personal gain. -
Sexual Misconduct
A sexual assault or a situation where a boundary violation leads to inappropriate sexual contact with a patient. -
Abuse Allegations
Complaints that a nurse physically harmed or threatened a patient, or used language so severe it qualifies as verbal abuse. -
Fraud Complaints
Claims that a nurse falsified time sheets, billed for care that wasn't provided, or misrepresented their credentials or experience. -
Positive Criminal Background Checks
Complaints may arise when a nurse fails to report criminal charges or convictions, especially when the offense could affect patient safety or trust.
Whatever accusations are being thrown at you, we are here to help.
A Letter from the Board Can Feel Like a Verdict. But It's Only the Beginning.
When the first notice arrives, it may be vague. You may not even know what prompted the complaint. What matters is how you respond.
Some nurses try to explain things away on their own, thinking it'll blow over. Others panic and say too much, too soon. Here's the truth: anything you submit to the Board can be used to shape the outcome of your case. You need someone who understands the system and how to advocate within it.
Nurse License Defense in Fayetteville: What to Expect
If you're a nurse practicing in the Fayetteville area, here's what the road ahead may look like:
- Rumor/Alert from Co-Worker/Self Alert. In the best-case scenario, you figure out that something is amiss before formal steps are taken. This allows you (and your lawyer) to be proactive, perhaps preventing things from escalating.
- Complaint Filed. So, you weren't able to stop things from escalating. A patient, coworker, employer, insurance company report, or even a criminal court record can trigger a report to the Board. The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) is responsible for investigating complaints against nurses. Anonymous complaints are accepted, so there's always the possibility that you will not know right away who is accusing you or who sounded an alarm.
- Initial Review. The Board decides whether the issue falls under its authority, and whether the allegations—if true—would violate the Nursing Practice Act or state regulations. If the answer is yes, they assign an investigator.
- Notice From the Board. You may receive a letter requesting a response. Sometimes, the language is confusing or intimidating. Don't respond before you understand what's being asked—and what the risks are.
- Investigation. The Board may gather records, interview witnesses, or ask for a written statement from you. Your name might even get flagged in NURSYS, alerting employers or other states that there's an active investigation. If the situation calls for it, the Board might also loop in law enforcement or other agencies. This is where experienced legal representation matters most. Your words now will shape how the Board sees your case.
- Outcomes Vary. Not all cases lead to discipline, but some do. You could be asked to enter an agreement, accept restrictions, or appear before the Board. In serious cases, your license could be suspended or revoked.
Whatever stage you're in, we're ready to help.
No Harm No Foul
The North Carolina Board of Nursing is primarily concerned with patient safety and, to some extent, character and ethics. Here are some examples of complaints that are unlikely to be acted upon because no harm to a patient or risk of future harm is indicated:
- A nurse fails to return a phone call to a family member about a patient's status – While this may cause frustration, it doesn't rise to a level of neglect or violation of nursing practice standards.
- A nurse's documentation error, such as missing a single patient's vitals entry – If there is no evidence of harm to the patient, a minor error in paperwork might not lead to disciplinary action.
- A nurse is accused of being rude to a coworker in passing, but no direct impact on patient care is demonstrated. The complaint lacks evidence of professional misconduct affecting patient safety.
- A nurse administers medication slightly later than the prescribed time, but no adverse effects on the patient are noted – A single late dose that doesn't result in harm is often not considered a violation, especially if you were overworked at the time.
- A nurse who has a personal social media account that makes controversial statements, unrelated to their professional conduct – Unless the statements directly affect their professional practice or violate ethical standards, this would not usually be acted upon. However, statements that show prejudice against a certain group could be an issue if the complaining patient is a member of that group and their care was affected. And overt prejudice may be seen as a sign of poor character.
- A nurse is accused of being slow to respond to a call light, but no patient harm or risk of harm occurred – A complaint about response time that doesn't lead to an unsafe situation is typically not pursued. Nurses are overworked.
- A nurse who forgets to document a patient's allergy information once, but the allergy is noted elsewhere in the medical records – If there's no direct harm or ongoing risk, this wouldn't usually trigger an investigation.
- A nurse is accused of engaging in a personal dispute with a family member of a patient outside the hospital, with no impact on patient care – A personal disagreement that doesn't affect professional duties is outside the scope of board jurisdiction.
- A nurse takes a lunch break 10 minutes later than scheduled, but patient care is not affected – A minor schedule deviation without impact on patient care is unlikely to lead to disciplinary action.
- A nurse fails to follow a facility's internal policy for non-critical care procedures (e.g., documenting the correct equipment), but no patient safety issues arise – A non-compliance with internal policies that does not affect patient safety may not trigger a formal investigation. Your employer may talk to you about it, however.
- A nurse's personal life that does not affect their job performance – Of course, relationships with patients that compromise care or are otherwise inappropriate cannot be swept under the table.
Nobody expects you to be perfect.
The Investigation
Here's how an investigation might look:
- Your History: The investigator might start by pulling your license history. Any prior complaints? Past discipline? They check NURSYS to see if other states have flagged anything.
- Your Employer: The investigator notes your employer. They may look up your supervisor or contact your facility. Maybe it's a call to Human Resources or your nursing manager. They might not tell your employer what the complaint is about. Not yet. Just ask enough questions to get what they need.
- Witnesses: The investigator may contact witnesses. A coworker who was on the same shift. A supervisor who reviewed the chart. A patient advocate. Sometimes people talk. Sometimes they don't. Every phone call becomes a note in your file.
- Documents: They review documentation, such as SOAP notes, chart entries, and medication logs. They check time stamps. They look for inconsistencies. Ask themselves: Does the story in the complaint line up with the records? Who else might know what happened?
- Criminal Conduct: If they think something more serious is at play—like potential criminal behavior—they loop in law enforcement. Quietly. You may not hear about that step for a while, if at all.
While this is happening, hopefully, you've gotten an attorney. As the investigator speaks to witnesses, your attorney is looking at each individual's potential biases, motivations, and credibility. When records are requested, your attorney ensures they're only pulling what's relevant, making sure nothing gets misinterpreted or taken out of context.
Complaint Resolution: What Happens Next
When a complaint is made, the Board has several ways to respond, ranging from a simple dismissal to serious disciplinary action:
- No Action: If there's no solid evidence or if the complaint is not about your competence or ethics or anything that affects patient care, the case is dropped and you move on.
- Letter of Concern: No punishment—but a signal that the Board is paying attention. It's not a violation yet, but it's something to take seriously.
- Non-Disciplinary Consent Order: Think of this as a corrective “remedy” rather than punishment. If you acknowledge an issue and agree to corrective steps, you can continue practicing without restrictions, all while keeping the public safe.
- Published Consent Order (PCO): If there's clear evidence of a violation, you'll face public discipline. This can include:
- Reprimand
- Monitoring
- Probation or practice limitations
- Suspension
Disciplinary outcomes are posted on the Board's website and reported to:
- NURSYS® – A national database that can affect your ability to practice in other states
- NCBON Website
- National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)
- Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Any of these steps could leave a mark on your career, so it's crucial to handle things carefully.
You're Not Just a Nurse. You're a Person with a Lot to Lose
What often gets lost in all of this is how personal it feels. The hours you spent studying. The time you put into every patient. The exhaustion. The commitment. The part of you that never really "clocks out." When someone calls that into question, it hurts. Especially when the version of events being told doesn't match what you know to be true.
You deserve to be heard—and to be represented by someone who sees the full picture, not just a case file.
The Lento Law Firm is the Ally You Need
You carry the weight of people's pain, uncertainty, and hope—often all at once—and still find a way to keep going. Whether you're in the trauma unit at Cape Fear Valley, assisting in a long-term care facility in Lumberton, or coordinating post-op care near Pinehurst, your license isn't just a credential. It's your livelihood. Your identity. Your future.
You need a legal team that's as dedicated as you are. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is here to protect you. We don't just dabble in nurse defense. It's a core part of what we do. Contact us here or at 888.535.3686. You don't need to face this alone.
