This all started in June of 2023. I received a letter from the Board of Registered Nursing stating that my former employer filed a complaint regarding my nursing license. This is every nurse's nightmare~!!

In the world of increased litigation, one would not expect such an action from an ex-employer; that was me. I left that hospice in person and spent an hour with the administrator for an exit interview/discussion. Nothing in this complaint was discussed or presented to me during my exit discussion. I had spoken to the company's HR about multiple concerns regarding professionalism and conduct of my then Director of Patient Care Services. It was that person who signed the complaint filed with the BRN. Multiple complaints, none of which was every discussed, on my HR record and 0 reprimands.

I had to hire an attorney who specialized in nursing license protection, one who was savvy with the Board of Registered Nursing and had an excellent track record of winning cases. I was lucky to retain one, and the legal battle began. Several interviews and correspondences led me to believe this case would be dismissed and nothing would come of it. This is not the case, and I received a certified court summons (received 03/07/2025) for this case! The majority of the complaints were unfounded, not supported. The one complaint that stuck was my manager claimed I did not answer a text or email regarding being assigned work that would have gone into over time. I never recalled this directive and had no memory of it. It was unfounded, but the BRN has its own ways of processing claims, and ALL claims are treated as factual and in good faith. No legal action can be taken against the hostile director who penned the complaint. I had to get many past employers, friends, colleagues, and family members to write character reference letters. I had to prove my character to the Board, which is not only exhausting but took a toll on my physical health.

Today, I got the news that the Board of Registered Nursing will take the least punitive action they can. It's a public reprimand of my license. A letter stating that this case is closed and that no action has been taken on my license to work as a nurse. My license has 0 restrictions and is active.

I found out that part of the situation with this legal nightmare is that I am responsible for the legal costs the BRN had incurred while investigating and processing my case. This expense is not covered by my malpractice insurance and is completely unforeseen. I was told today I owe $8000 and it needs to be paid withing a year. With the cost of my own atty and two services, my costs total are nearly $20,000.

I have been a Registered Nurse for 33 years.man. I have seen a lot during my career, and frankly, this incident has led me to leave the specialty I love—Hospice. I have since been working remote at home for an insurance company. . I am fearful of this happening again, despite knowing I did nothing wrong the first time. The fear of this occurring again is real. Upsetting an employer who is going to file a complaint about my license out of retaliation is a real concern, and it happened to me. The cost set forth by the BRN is more than I planned. It's a shocking amount considering I have no legal action taken on my license.

I am putting my story out there. As a Registered Nurse, this whole experience has been nothing but stressful, causing physical symptoms, loss of sleep, and inability to focus on tasks.The loss of my livelihood was a real possibility. This has been 2.5 years in the making and I wouldn’t wish his on w anyone.

Thank you for your time. I appreciate your support.

XO Noelle