Common Causes Of Discipline For Nurses

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurse’s attorney.

Nursing is a heavily regulated and scrutinized profession, with licensure requirements, standards of care practices, and rigorous codes of ethics.

As a nurse, you’ll find yourself at risk for discipline not only from your employer (ranging from a warning to a firing), but also from your local state board of nursing.

Below are some common causes of discipline for nurses:
• expired nursing license
• nursing malpractice and/or violations of the nursing practice standard of codes and ethics
• substance abuse (addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs, or non-prescription drugs)
• criminal arrests or convictions  (DUI, etc.)
• violation of boundaries
• failure to complete continuing education requirements
• failure to pay licensure fees
• dishonesty, lying, fraud, or deceit
• sexual misconduct

Depending on the severity of the violation in question, disciplinary sanctions for nurses can range from a letter of concern to termination and license revocation.

For information regarding main reasons the state board disciplines nurses, how criminal arrests can impact your nursing license, or to schedule a free consultation with an attorney, contact us at (503) 232-9280, or e-mail us at

Please Note: The Keaney Law Firm represents nurses throughout the states of Oregon and Washington in state court, federal court, and with the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) and the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).  We also represent nurses in Texas with the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). 

Kevin Keaney is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington, as well as Texas, where he can also help nurses who need an attorney!.