If you are a nurse or licensed medical professional charged with a crime, the authorities may not contact your state nursing or licensing board directly. Don't assume that the board won't find out, though. Your employer may suspend or terminate you and will probably let the board know about your charges.

Whatever happens in your criminal case is separate from the nursing board's actions. Even if you're acquitted, you could still face repercussions with your license. If you're in this situation, call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

NICU Nurse Accused of Mistreating Babies

A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, was accused of physically mistreating infants in the NICU at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Virginia. A criminal complaint was filed against Strotman by a police detective, who responded to a report by the hospital of a 5-month-old baby with a fractured left femur. The complaint also mentions other babies who were found with fractures around the same time—late November and December 2024.

At a bond hearing on January 13, Strotman was denied bond. She appeared at the hearing virtually from jail and had been isolated for her safety. Her defense lawyer will try to appeal the bond decision by getting Strotman a psychological evaluation. There's no mention of what has happened to her nursing license or if the Virginia Board of Nursing has taken any action. It seems likely, though, that her license would be suspended while criminal charges are pending.

What Happens If You're Charged with a Crime as a Nurse

The action your nursing board will take after you've been charged with a crime might depend on how serious the charge is. The board will likely summarily (temporarily) suspend your license while the case is ongoing and launch an investigation. The board's processes are entirely separate from the criminal justice system—and the board doesn't have to follow such strict due process rules as the courts do.

After the investigation, there may be a hearing with the board. Then, the board will decide what to do about your license. If it's a misdemeanor crime, you might end up on probation. For felonies, you could end up with a suspended or revoked license. The nature of the crime also factors into the board's decision. If it occurred on the job and has a direct link to your practice—as in the case of Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman—the board might be less lenient with sanctions.

If you've been charged with a crime as a licensed medical professional, you shouldn't let your criminal defense attorney deal with the licensing board, too. Criminal defense isn't the same as defending your professional license; it requires a different set of knowledge and skills. You should work with the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We assist nurses, doctors, and other licensed professionals nationwide when they get in trouble with their boards. We can help you defend your license and the career you worked hard to build.

Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form so we can discuss your situation.