Discipline Resources
Once a complaint is filed with a board of nursing, the boards have a complaint process they follow from review to resolution. This process is summarized in the NCSBN video Board of Nursing Complaint Process: Investigation to Resolution. This video was developed by the NCSBN 2010 Disciplinary Resource Committee and produced by NCSBN. Watch now!
The Regulatory Decision Pathway (RDP) was designed at the request of regulatory boards. The RDP is designed to assist boards of nursing in their determination of whether the action of the nurse constituted a violation of the standard of care. Specifically developed for use in the evaluation of cases of nursing practice errors or unprofessional conduct, the RDP uses a paradigm that focuses on analysis of the (1) system and (2) nurse's behavioral choices. Additional details
Nurses who abuse substances pose a unique challenge to the nursing profession. The behavior that results from this disease has far-reaching and negative effects, not only on the nurses themselves, but also upon the patients who depend on the nurse for safe, competent care. Substance Use Disorder among health care providers also creates significant legal and ethical responsibilities for colleagues who work with these individuals. SUD in Nursing resources provide valuable information.
The use of social media and other electronic communication is expanding exponentially. While social media is an exciting and valuable tool to nurses when used wisely, it can pose risks when used inappropriately. NCSBN’s Social Media Guidelines help minimize that risk.
Discipline Publications, Articles & Courses
Related Publications
Published Date: 2010
Topic: Practice and Education
With a wealth of helpful guidelines and assessment tools, Nursing Pathways for Patient Safety makes it easy to identify the causes of practice breakdowns and to reduce health care errors. It also:
- Provides expert guidance from NCSBN
- Provides an overview of the TERCAP assessment tool
- Examines both system and practice based causes of practice breakdown (including practice styles, health care environments, teamwork and structural systems)
- Emphasizes nurses’ front-line role and responsibility in promoting patient safety
Published Date: 2014
Topic: Practice and Education
This brochure explains how substance use disorder (SUD) affects the nursing profession. Nurses have a legal ethical responsibility to report a colleague’s suspected drug use; learn how to recognize the warning signs and what to do to get a colleague help. Nurses that educate themselves about SUD help not only their colleagues, but they also protect patients.
Published Date: 2011
Topic: Practice and Education
A resource manual and guidelines for alternative and disciplinary monitoring programs.
Published Date: 2009
Topic: Practice and Education
This resource provides boards of nursing with practical guidelines in making decisions about sexual misconduct cases in their mission of public protection.
Journal of Nursing Regulation Articles Related to Discipline
Substance Use Disorder and Accessing Alternative-to-Discipline Programs (July 2012)
Regulatory Management of Substance Use (January 2012)
Medication Administration in Nursing Homes (October 2011)
Addressing Chemically Dependent Colleagues (July 2011)
Defining & Assigning Accountability (April 2011)
Understanding the Disease of Addiction (July 2010)
Online Courses
NCSBN offers online courses on topics that are often assigned to nurses for remediation
Avoiding Violations of Patient Privacy With Social Media
Delegating Effectively
Disciplinary Actions
Diversity - Building Cultural Competence
Documentation: A Critical Aspect Of Client Care
Ethics of Nursing Practice
Medication Errors - Detection & Prevention
Nurse Practice Acts
Patient Privacy
Professional Accountability and Legal Liability
Respecting Professional Boundaries
Righting a Wrong: Ethics & Professionalism in Nursing
Sharpening Critical Thinking Skills
