[Charlie34]

I have a problem. I'm an LPN Nurse in the State of Michigan. I was involved in a situation at a bar, where I had to defend myself against a woman. Unfortunately I was charged initially with assault and battery and drunken disorderly. After the FACTS of the situation came out, I am now only being charged with disturbing the peace. My problem is that it was my understanding that I was supposed to report these charges right away to my employer and possibly the State Nursing Board. I have been putting that off because I have been so nervous of what the penalty might be. I love nursing and am still continuing my education in this field. Can anyone please tell me what the outcome of my situation might be???? This incident took place over a few months ago and everything is about to become final with the "disturbing of the peace" charge. I am going to report this soon and I would like to have an idea of what to expect???

[hppygr8ful]

In some states the authorities involved (the DA's office) inform the state board of nursing at the time charges are filed. It can take weeks, months and even years for the Board to take action against your license. Do you have a lawyer? Were the charges reduced or did you plea down? You can have your lawyer check to see if there has been any formal complaint against your license. If no formal complaint has been made and you are in a plea bargain - You could ask that as a condition of acceptance that no complaint be made. However I believe that in all US states Felonies must be reported to the board. If your charges involved alcohol your board could remand you into treatment even if your BAL was below the legal limit.

My advice:

Make an anonymous call to your board and find out what happens in your state when a nurse is accused of a crime. Make sure you ask about misdimeanors ve felonies. Ask what the state policy is about the accused responsibility in reporting to their employer and to the Board.

Chances are if you ignore this it will not just go away. I know of one nurse(LVN) who had two drunk driving convictions followed by 5 years of sobriety with no reoccurance. When she applied for her RN the background check picked them up and she started her RN career in probation for three years.

Hope this information helps -

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[Charlie34]

I did hire a lawyer due to my fear of the worst case scenario: losing my license. The prosecutor, however, is refusing to place anything "under advisement"--meaning it would never show up on my record. Although I am hoping for the best, it's doubtful that I will walk away without being charged with the misdemeanor. Thank you for your advice and if you have additional suggestions please respond.

[ToonTown Fan/RN]

An attorney is your best friend under these circumstances. I would not make any calls to BON anonymous or not. They know about caller ID too. However, all information should be posted in a public format regarding what types of convictions will affect the standing of your license. If you are already paying an attorney, then this is an issue to press for him/her to deal with. Good luck and stay out of the bars for a while. Walk the straight and narrow so you can look like a fine upstanding citizen. It all counts.

[orionseal]

The MDCH website allows you to access information about your liscence if you want to check on any marks you may have go to this web site

http://www.cis.state.mi.us/free/default.asp

enter your mame and info then when your profile pops up click on your name.
this will list any charges against your liscence if any have been filed.
:luck:
P.S. Keep your nose clean from here on out, "WE" need you.