As a nurse, you take your job very seriously. You know that any intentionally harmful action could certainly cost you your nursing license. You have an obligation to put your patients first and offer them the best possible care.

What if you make an honest mistake? No one is perfect. Could a simple error on the job cost you your license?

Was there an element of negligence?

Yes, you certainly can put your nursing license in jeopardy even if you make an honest mistake. While nurses are not expected to be perfect in all scenarios, some mistakes are the result of negligence. If it’s shown that you were acting negligently and caused harm to a patient, then you may be at risk of losing your license.

What are some examples?

One example would be administering the wrong dosage of a medication. If you read the instructions too quickly and accidentally give someone twice the dose they’re supposed to receive, they could experience a severe negative reaction. This can also happen if you give the person the wrong medication or a form of medication that they are allergic to. It may be an honest mistake, but the ramifications are still serious.

Another example could be if you neglect to give a patient the timely care they deserve. Maybe they need quick attention, but you’re distracted by something else — such as your phone — and it delays the care they receive. If they experience negative consequences and it’s shown that you were neglectful, then your license could be at risk.

Because a mistake in the nursing profession could cost you your license, it’s important to take this very seriously and carefully consider all of your legal options.