As a nurse, you're under a great deal of pressure to perform your duties in an exemplary manner at all times. Any small slip-ups or bad judgment calls can have disastrous consequences, and you can end up getting your license suspended or worse—completely revoked. A licensed practical nurse in Iowa was recently accused of negligence and had her license indefinitely suspended.

If you're a nurse in a similar situation, you shouldn't try to take on the nursing board alone. You should reach out to the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team. We help medical professionals just like you defend their licenses and protect their careers. Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form.

Nurse Agrees to Suspend License After a Patient's Death

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Lake View, Iowa, was criminally charged with wanton neglect for a patient's death, which occurred in February 2024. Becky Sue Manning was the nurse on duty at Fonda Specialty Care nursing home when a patient, Marvin “Pete” Jacobs, died from what appeared to be a blocked airway or heart attack. Jacobs had undergone a tracheostomy and needed to have his airway suctioned regularly. Apparently, several aides had alerted Manning that the patient needed suctioning, but she didn't provide it. Jacobs then allegedly had a heart attack and died.

In addition to the criminal charge of wanton neglect, Manning may also face sanctions from the Iowa Board of Nursing. In April 2024, Manning and the board entered into an agreement that indefinitely suspended her practice of nursing. When a state nursing board considers a licensed professional an “immediate threat” to public health and safety, it can suspend a license summarily or with immediate effect. A due process hearing or formal procedure may take place at a later date, but until that happens, the nurse cannot practice.

What to Do If You're Accused of Negligence as a Nurse

There's a big difference between an honest mistake and negligence—but state nursing boards don't always see it that way. Any error you make while on the job can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of your license. If you find out that the state nursing board wants to suspend your license or start an inquiry into an on-the-job incident, you shouldn't wait to see what happens. You also shouldn't stand up to the board by yourself.

You should call the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team knows how to deal with state medical boards and can help you build a strong defense. We work with nurses to help protect their licenses and avoid severe sanctions. If you want to protect your career as a nurse, get in contact with our team.

Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information on our contact form. A member of our team will reach out to you to schedule a consultation.