Do Hospitals Hire Nurses if Their Nursing License Has Been Disciplined?

Nurses facing disciplinary actions often wonder if they can continue their careers, especially when applying for hospital jobs. In Texas, as in other states, the answer is not straightforward. While some hospitals might be open to hiring a nurse with a disciplined license, others may be hesitant, mainly if the disciplinary action involves a severe infraction. Hiring decisions often depend on the specific circumstances of the discipline, the nurse’s transparency, and the nature of the healthcare setting. Some employers may avoid hiring nurses with disciplinary actions on their records, while others may take a more individualized approach depending on the severity of the issue.

At Lype Dest Smith Lawyers, we have extensive experience defending Texas nurses against disciplinary actions and steering through the intricacies of the nursing board. Our team understands the nuances of licensure defense and can help protect your professional future.

Strategies for Securing Employment After a Disciplinary Action

Facing disciplinary action doesn’t mean your nursing career is over. Still, you may need to adjust your job search strategies. Below are several tips to increase your chances of securing employment after confronting the consequences of your license.

Explore Opportunities in Alternative Healthcare Settings

One practical approach is considering other alternatives that differ from where the disciplinary action occurred. For example, if your penalisation was related to direct patient care, consider roles like case management, utilization review, or working in a physician’s office. These positions may not involve the same risks that led to your corrective action and can be a fresh start in a new environment. Many nurses in this situation discover that working in non-clinical roles can offer fulfilling careers while also providing a chance to rebuild trust with employers​.

Maintain Transparency in Your Job Search

Transparency is crucial when applying for jobs. You must be open about the corrective measures in your interview or application process. Attempting to hide or downplay the issue can lead to more severe consequences later, such as job termination or additional reporting to the state board. Instead, acknowledge the incident, explain how you’ve worked to remedy the situation, and emphasize your commitment to complying with any requirements from the nursing board​.

Emphasize the Lessons Learned from the Experience

During interviews, highlight the valuable lessons you’ve gained from your experience and how they’ve shaped and contributed to your professional development and growth to become a more mindful and diligent nurse, enhancing your ability to provide quality care and make thoughtful decisions in challenging situations. Whether the issue involved a clinical error, ethical concern, or other violation, demonstrating that you have reflected on the event and taken steps to prevent future problems can reassure potential employers. Be sure to mention any completed remedial training, therapy, or other efforts you’ve undertaken to improve your practice​.

Offer Strong Professional References

Offer recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors who knew you before the incident and can speak to your character, work ethic, and skills can be vital in helping potential employers see beyond the disciplinary action. Emphasizing a solid support network can alleviate concerns about your past conduct and show that others are willing to vouch for your competency as a nurse​.

How Long Does Disciplinary Action Stay on a Nurse’s License?

In Texas, the length of time disciplinary actions remain on your nursing license depends on the type of infraction and the Texas Board of Nursing’s specific regulations. In some cases, these actions can be removed after a few years if the nurse fulfills all requirements imposed by the board. Nonetheless, more dire infractions may remain on record for more extended periods or even permanently.

For example, reprimands for minor offenses might be suppressed after three to five years of good standing, while suspensions or revocations may stay on your record indefinitely. Each case is evaluated individually, but nurses should know that certain offenses may also affect their ability to delete records. Always check with the Texas Board of Nursing for the most up-to-date regulations regarding your specific situation.

Compared to other states, California often keeps disciplinary actions on a nurse’s record for three years, while in New York, a reprimand typically remains permanent but may become less significant over time​. Nurses are encouraged to consult legal professionals to understand the long-term impact of these actions on their careers.

Take Control of Your Nursing Career Today

If you are a nurse in Texas facing a disciplinary process or have already experienced licensure issues, navigating the complexities of employment can feel overwhelming. However, you can rebuild your career with the right legal guidance and personal efforts. At Lype Dest Smith Lawyers, we specialize in defending nurses and healthcare professionals in licensure disputes and disciplinary matters. Let our experienced team guide you through this path, ensuring your rights are protected and your career remains on track.

If you want information on nursing disciplinary actions and the potential impact on your professional development, visit trusted resources such as Nurse Journal or Nurse.com.

Darrin Dest

Darrin’s practices primarily in the areas of administrative and health care law, with a focus on the representation of professionals in front of their licensing boards and credentialing bodies. Darrin formerly worked for the Texas Medical Board and currently defends licensees.

Years of experience: 15 years
Bar numbers: 24065146
Location: Austin, TX