Gossiping, hazing, and bullying are some of the unfortunate realities many nurses around the country face every day at work. Competition can be fierce, and some nurses may resort to lying about their colleagues in order to get ahead or settle personal scores. Defending against these allegations is imperative but is complicated by many factors.
False allegations of misconduct threaten nurses' reputations, jobs, and professional licenses. Dealing with the stress of the situation can take a toll on nurses' job performance and emotional well-being.
In addition, it can be extremely difficult for nurses to work with or for colleagues who lie about them. It can strain relationships and make working together tense and awkward.
Nurses looking to clear their names against their colleagues' false accusations should know that recourse is available to them.
Hospital Grievance Policies May Provide Relief for Falsely Accused Nurses
Many hospitals have grievance policies and procedures in place that nurses who are being lied about can consider taking advantage of.
For example, Cedars-Sinai in California has a policy governing Harassment, Discrimination, and Inappropriate conduct that instructs anyone subject to “inappropriate behavior” to contact their supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff. The policy also permits anonymous reporting.
Nurses may be wary that accusing their colleagues of lying may make matters worse for them at work, fearing that their colleagues will retaliate by alienating or ostracizing them or perhaps by assigning them to less desirable shifts. The Cedars-Sinai policy specifically prohibits retaliation against employees who make complaints, so nurses should look into whether their hospitals' policies offer similar protection.
Nurses Can Report Their Lying Colleagues to State Nursing Boards
State nursing boards can investigate nurses based on false allegations made by other nurses. Falsely accused nurses must ensure that they vigorously defend themselves during the investigation process.
But falsely accused nurses can file their own reports with state nursing boards against the nurses who lie about them. Nurses who lie about their colleagues or knowingly make false allegations against them can get in serious trouble.
For example, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) specifically talks about how nurses' lying compromises the integrity of the profession. The BON imposes disciplinary consequences on nurses' behavior that involves lying and falsification.
In addition, Texas requires nurses' reports of colleagues' misconduct to be made in good faith and imposes severe penalties on nurses who make false or misleading allegations.
Nurses Who Face False Allegations Should Contact the Lento Law Firm for Help
Nurses who want to clear their names against false allegations shouldn't handle the complicated matter on their own. Joseph D. Lento and his knowledgeable Professional License Defense Team have years of experience successfully defending nurses around the country. They can help nurses vigorously defend themselves against false accusations and help them determine the best course of action to protect their reputations, jobs, professional licenses, and careers. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form.
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