Tune in as Dr. Sarah Wickenhagen from the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) walks us through the five most common complaints against nursing professionals. This episode also discusses the role of disciplinary action in protecting the public. Plus, explore the misconceptions associated with disciplinary investigations in Oregon.
Contrary to popular belief, bedside errors are not the primary reason for nurses finding themselves under scrutiny. Instead, as Dr. Wickenhagen explains, issues such as boundary violations take precedence. These violations can range from unethical behaviors, like prescribing medication to family, to more nuanced lapses in professional judgment. Drug-related complaints and discrepancies in criminal history during licensure applications also top the list of disciplinary actions.
As the regulatory body of the nursing profession, OSBN also manages investigations of formal complaints against nurses working in Oregon. All Oregonians, including nurses and community members, can file a complaint with the Board. The organization employs a full team of nurse investigators responsible for overseeing these submissions and resulting disciplinary action.
Dr. Wickenhagen also details how past offenses are assessed for their relevance to nursing practice. Nursing professionals must disclose past misdemeanors or felonies as part of the application process, especially those directly related to nursing. However, this in-depth discussion offers reassurance that past mistakes do not automatically preclude a career in nursing.
The State of Wellness podcast is hosted by the Oregon Center for Nursing, the state’s nonprofit nursing workforce center. Learn more at oregoncenterfornursing.org/podcast.
