Legal Newsletter3 Myths About Nursing and Legal IssuesLegal Newsletter

Nursing is a fulfilling career that requires strict licensing protocol. For many medical professionals, obtaining, maintaining, or reinstating a nursing license can be a challenge. If a nurse has been involved in a crime, it may seem as if their nursing career is over. A nurse criminal defense attorney can help, though. These professionals provide specialized legal services for medical professionals. Let’s look at some common myths surrounding nursing and legal issues.

1. I Can’t Be a Nurse If I’ve Been Arrested

This is a strongly held myth, but it’s not true. In most states, if you’re a licensed nurse and you get arrested, then you are supposed to report it. There are no laws that state you will automatically lose your license indefinitely or never be allowed to apply for a nursing license. Reporting your arrest is vitally important, though. Although getting arrested can’t automatically cause you to lose your license, not reporting an arrest could. Even if the charge was ultimately dropped, reduced, or dismissed, you are required by law to report the arrest to the Board of Nursing. Usually, you would report this immediately, but if you are applying for a license or applying to renew a license, you should report it then. If you are worried about how an arrest is going to affect your nursing career, you should contact a nurse criminal defense lawyer in your area.

2. I’m Required to Talk to Police in a Legal Event

This is also a big myth and it can be quite damaging to your career. You are never required by law to talk to law enforcement. You even have a right to not talk to them.

3. I’m Required to Hand Over My Phone if Asked By Police

You are also not required to hand over your phone unless you are presented with a search warrant. Handing over your phone or talking with law enforcement without a lawyer can be detrimental to your nursing career. You should ask to have a lawyer present. It’s a good idea as a nursing professional to have a lawyer on your side who is familiar with nursing law in your state.

These are just a few myths that you should be aware of if you’re a nurse.

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