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Tips for protecting your nursing license

Getting a nursing license is no easy feat. It takes years of hard work and meeting strict requirements. Now that you have your license and are building your career as a health care professional, you want to do everything to protect your license.

Unfortunately, one minor mistake can put your license in jeopardy. You may face a potential investigation, suspension, revocation or other disciplinary action by making an error. Here are some guidelines to safeguard your license.

Communicate well

Being a good nurse depends on clear communication to everyone. Misunderstandings between you and other nurses, physicians and patients can result in poor outcomes and medical errors. Be proactive about communicating issues with your colleagues and patients, and consistently review systems and procedures.

Adhere to protocols and laws

Hospitals, clinics, in-home services and nursing homes each have their own set of specific rules and policies. Be well-versed on the protocol of your facility, and never stray from it. You may experience someone asking you to bend the rules or take a shortcut. This is common in a fast-paced and stressful environment. However, make sure you refuse to do anything that violates protocol. In addition, make sure you always follow ethical standards, nursing board standards and the law.

Assume someone is always watching you

As a nurse, you do not want to feel suspicious or nervous about someone keeping an eye on you, but your profession is under heavy regulations. The state board acts swiftly to start investigations and take disciplinary actions. Assume that every action you take at your job is subject to judgment. This will help you stay on track and make good decisions every time.

Be careful with your social media accounts

While there is nothing wrong with a nurse having social media profiles, you want to be mindful of your online activity. Everything you publish online will reflect on you as a professional nurse. Keep your profiles private and clean of anything that may be controversial to your supervisors or colleagues.