Each nurse has a different path to nursing licensure, guided by your specific state’s licensing requirements. Violating those rules or regulations may lead to a suspension or revocation of your nursing license.
It is important to understand the regulations in your state in order to avoid committing offenses that lead to you losing your nursing license.
Reasons the licensing board may suspend or revoke your nursing license
According to The Professional Nursing Law of Pennsylvania, The Board may refuse, revoke, or suspend your nursing license for any of the following reasons.
- The Board found you to be incompetent or negligent on repeated occasions
- You are unable to practice safely due to a physical or mental illness
- You are unable to practice safely due to a dependence on drugs or alcohol
- You either willfully or repeatedly violate nursing regulations
- You commit deceit or fraud in relation to nursing school admissions or licensure
- You plead guilty or receive a conviction for moral turpitude
- Your license receives disciplinary action by a licensing authority in another state
- Your actions present a clear and immediate danger to yourself or the people around you
- You use a controlled substance or caution legend drug for any reason other than a legitimate, medical purpose
- You practice unprofessional or immoral conduct.
Reinstatement of a suspended license
If the Board revokes your license, they generally will not reinstate it unless an order comes from the Commonwealth Court. You may reapply for your license after five years, however, but you must meet all of the requirements for the license at that time. Additionally, if the Board orders you to return your license, failure to do so may result in a third-degree felony.