How to Keep Working (and Sleeping) While Your License Is Under Review
Every year, the thousands of nurses who suffer through the purgatory of a professional license review want to know two things: How can I keep working? How can I keep my sanity when my license and my livelihood hang in the balance?
We’re going to address these questions here, but we also want to acknowledge that navigating an investigation by a professional licensing board is a complicated, high-stakes business, one that often requires an experienced guide and a fierce advocate. The LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team helps nurses nationwide manage the review process and achieve the best outcome possible in their case. Call us at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online.
Working While Your License Is Under Review
The first thing to know is this: “under review” does NOT mean “suspended.” Unless your license is suspended — a determination made after the review, if the board finds you’re at fault — it is active. You can confirm this status by double-checking your license:
- On your state licensing board’s website, and
- On Nursys
- Note: If these sources list your status differently, contact each of them immediately.
Even with an active license, things with your employer might be tricky. If you’re lucky, they might not even know about the review, and they might not have a requirement that says you have to disclose it. Before you say, or don’t say, anything, study your employer’s policies closely — you don’t want to make things more difficult by running afoul of the rules.
If you are required to tell your employer about the review, be straightforward about it but provide as few details as possible. Above all, emphasize that your license is still active. Knowing that you’re probably being watched with a sharper eye than usual, continue to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in your workplace.
In some cases, notwithstanding the active status of your license, you might be reassigned for the period of the review. It’s also possible your employer could place you on administrative leave. This doesn’t mean you can’t take on temporary assignments elsewhere. Telehealth and case management roles can offer a low-stress, flexible way to make ends meet for the short term.
The Wait Doesn’t Have to Be Unbearable
With so much at stake, it’s understandable that your nerves might be shot. Staying mindful that your license is as valid right now as it’s ever been should give you some peace: keep working, keep honing your skills and maintaining your professional excellence, and you’ll be too exhausted to toss and turn all night and make yourself sick with worry.
If that’s easier said than done, activate your support options. If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program, look for mental health and stress management opportunities. If you belong to a union, you might find some excellent support resources there, both formal and informal. Finally, you know how you’ve cared for so many patients over the years, helping them through some of the worst moments of their lives? Now it’s your turn. Give yourself the same level of thoughtfulness and care you’ve always provided others.
The LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team understands the stress of a license review — and knows the law. We’ll help you protect your rights and keep your license. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online and tell us about your situation.