Healthcare professionals are no strangers to tiredness. Between long hours and a stressful workplace environment, it's unsurprising that the job can take its toll. But sometimes, exhaustion is not just debilitating – it's downright dangerous.

No one is more familiar with this reality than an on-call nurse in Massachusetts who was so exhausted she drove her car off the top floor of Faulkner Hospital's parking garage back in May. Although the nurse involved was unharmed, the incident highlights just how serious fatigue in the workplace can be.

Call 888.535.3686 or reach the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team online if you are concerned about your professional license.

Implications of Workplace Fatigue for Nurses

Typically, we all need around seven or eight hours of sleep each night to perform at our best. However, it's not uncommon for nurses to work overtime or long shifts, which reduces their resting time. Less sleep can cause impaired reactions, drowsiness, and inattentiveness, which could put patient health at risk. It may also negatively impact a nurse's mental health, leading to increased job dissatisfaction and lower performance.

Exhaustion Can End Professional Careers

Workplace fatigue for nurses doesn't just jeopardize patients' health. It can also result in career-ending incidents. Mistakes that could arise from sheer mental and physical exhaustion at work include:

• Unsafe handling, e.g., of frail or elderly patients
• Medication dispensing errors
• Record-keeping errors
• Misreading prescriptions or charts
• Lack of vigilance
• Needlestick injuries

Overworked or fatigued nurses may rely on medication or stimulants to help them get through their workday. Being deemed “under the influence” of a substance has its own implications for your nursing license.

What to Do if Your License Is Under Threat

If a healthcare facility decides to investigate a health professional for alleged misconduct or negligence, there are steps they can – and should – take to manage the situation:

• Gather evidence. This can include emails, transcripts, health records, and other correspondence. The more evidence you have in your favor, the easier it may be to negotiate a fair outcome.
• Familiarize yourself with hospital disciplinary procedures. It is vital that you are aware of any key dates or steps you should follow.
• Keep all communications with any healthcare officials in writing so you can refer to them later.
• Call the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team will urgently work to protect your position and ensure your legal rights are respected.

Mistakes happen at work. But if a mistake puts your license at risk, then you need to act fast to protect yourself. That's where the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help. Whether it's fighting the allegations or negotiating with a hospital board, we'll do what we can to protect your legal rights. Retain us now at 888.535.3686 or leave us a message online to arrange a meeting.