Nurses are on the front lines as patients recover and heal. During this process, emotions run high for the patient and family, as well as for the professionals involved. The result can be conflict—and all too often, nurses bear the brunt of the stress in what can be volatile situations. In some cases, it can rise to the level of workplace violence.

If things escalate and a patient or a relation decides the nurse's response to their behavior was outsized or inappropriate, they may decide to lodge a formal complaint—and the nurse will find themselves the subject of scrutiny from a state nursing board.

The can help protect your professional credentials and reputation. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or reach out online as soon as you receive notice of disciplinary action.

After a Formal Complaint is Filed

A formal complaint will kick off an investigation where the board seeks to uncover the facts and address them in a manner they deem appropriate. In some cases, the findings could lead to disciplinary action and put a nurse's license at risk. Given recent scandals around nursing licenses, authorities are growing more stringent.

During an investigation, a board will consider such issues as the severity of the accusation, whether this is a first complaint, and testimony from witnesses, including co-workers. They will conduct a site visit and request a written response from you to provide your perspective on the incident in question.

The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense team has the experience to help you effectively face a board.

Nurses Face Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse of nurses is common. A 2024 report from National Nurses United, a union and advocacy group, found one in ten nurses reported an incident of abuse within the past year. Even though it happens every day, no one should tolerate it. There are best practices to confront it that may minimize the possibility of professional sanctions.

To prevent or diffuse an explosive situation, it is recommended nurses take the following steps.

• Prepare a response. Make sure you have language ready to address an aggressive attitude. Being ready for these situations is critical, so it makes sense to practice your response. The tone should be calm and neutral, using terms such as “Speaking to me that way isn't going to be productive” or “I am working to help you, but I need to be treated with respect.” When necessary, you may have to remain quiet while the abuser rants. This can keep things from escalating, even if doing so is challenging.
• Document everything. Even if the abuse is an internal matter and you fear reprisals, make sure to file appropriate reports in detail and keep copies of all of them.
• Be sure you completely understand your employer's policies and procedures related to complaints around verbal abuse. For example, does the organization train nurses and other employees to handle verbal attacks? Does it utilize a “code pink,” where nurses can make a silent request for co-workers to stand by silently during the abuse, should it become protracted?

If you are a nurse and find yourself facing a board investigation, the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense team is here to fight for your professional livelihood. Call us today at 888-535-3686 and tell us about your case.