Could a messy divorce endanger your nursing license?

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2022 | Professional License Issues |

Becoming a nurse requires a significant commitment to your career path. You need to pursue a degree and then pass state tests. You have to obtain a state license and then negotiate employment terms at a local hospital or medical practice. You will need to retain your nursing license for as long as you remain employed, which requires that you do your job well and also that you commit to continuing education.

Throughout your career as a nurse, complaints by patients and disciplinary issues brought to public attention by your employer could potentially affect your future career or employment arrangements. Sometimes, personal issues can flare up and affect your professional life.

Would the allegations that often fly during a messy divorce potentially impact your Pennsylvania nursing license?

Accusations that lead to charges could affect your career

Anyone can make unfounded claims in court or in front of a licensing board, which is why evidence of some sort is typically necessary for a licensed professional to be at risk of losing their license. The things that your spouse may accuse you of during divorce negotiations, mediation or litigation may embarrass you and make you worry about your reputation.

While you know their claims are false or majorly exaggerated, other people may not know the truth. Thankfully, the family courts in Pennsylvania typically don’t lend much credence to claims made without documentation, and the same is true for the state nursing board.

It is only when the claims against you are serious enough to warrant charges and you either plead guilty or get convicted that allegations of marital misconduct could affect your nursing license. Specifically, claims of domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse or stalking could all potentially lead to a loss of your nursing license.

Those facing accusations can protect themselves

Although people can make complaints against you and bring criminal charges to the attention of the state licensing board, you don’t have to worry about facing career penalties without an opportunity to defend yourself. If the State Board of Nursing determines that there might be issues with your licensing because of your criminal record, they would typically summon you for a disciplinary hearing.

At that hearing, you will have the right to legal representation. Just like you can defend yourself against criminal charges to protect yourself from having a record, so too can you defend yourself from disciplinary infractions in front of the licensing board.

It is common for people to worry that a vindictive ex will try to damage their careers, but such cases are relatively rare. Criminal charges, performance issues and ethical violations are much more likely to affect your licensing. Learning more about when your nursing license can be in danger can help you more effectively protect your career.