A nurse in Wisconsin is facing allegations of abuse while working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The allegations led to an investigation of the nurse. Alleged abuses include bruises to the arms of infants and a skull fracture.
The nurse’s license is currently suspended.
NICU profession a specialized field
A suspension of a license in this situation is a serious penalty. Nurses that specialize in this form of care go through rigorous training to work within the NICU. These medical professionals must be a registered nurse and have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They must also have certification by the State Board of Nursing or other form of national certification.
Additional requirements vary, but often include:
- Neonatal Resuscitation and/or Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing certification
- Clinical experience
- Master of Science in Nursing
It takes a good deal of dedication and time to earn a spot within a NICU. This makes it even more important to take any allegations of misconduct seriously.
Impact of allegations of misconduct
As noted above, the nurse accused of misconduct in the NICU has had her license suspended and could face revocation. Depending on the details of the allegations, additional criminal and civil repercussions could apply.
It is important that anyone facing allegations of misconduct take the accusations seriously and work to build a defense. Take note of the Wisconsin nurse’s predicament and take action to defend the career you have worked so hard to build. If you are the subject of an investigation, contact an attorney. A lawyer experienced in nurse licensing issues can craft a defense to your case and better ensure your legal rights and professional interests are protected.