I am a new graduate RN and have a 30-year-old felony conviction for writing bad checks on my record. How should I handle this situation on job applications or during interviews?
Question - Dear Nancy, I am a new graduate RN and have a 30-year-old felony conviction for writing ba..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Leah, Congratulations on meeting the requirements you were ordered to complete by the state board of nursing because of to your felony conviction. It is also a good move to s... read more

Another employee took a photo of me with other nurses and posted it on her Facebook page. I was terminated for violating social media policy. Is this fair?
Question - Dear Nancy, I was terminated for violating the social media policy. I do not have a Facebo..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Christa, Your termination is an unfortunate one, but it is difficult to discuss without knowing what your facility's social media policy says. It is assumed, though, that the... read more

My employer has advised me not to carry any malpractice insurance because I am covered by the hospital. This is scary for me. What do you think?
Question - Dear Nancy, I am a licensed RN with a master's and certification as a pediatric nurse prac..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Isabella, Purchasing one's own professional liability insurance, when an employer says not to because you are covered by its insurance, is a frequent question from readers of... read more

It seems that employers are trying to get rid of higher paid RNs. Do those of us who have been let go have any recourse?
Question - Dear Nancy, It must be obvious to any RN in my state that employers are trying to get rid ..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Claire, What you are experiencing in your state is unfortunate, but it is happening with increasing frequency in many states by employers in an attempt to save money. Althoug... read more

My husband and I are considering starting a home health agency. I am an RN and would be the director of nursing. What are the risks involved?
Question - Dear Nancy, My husband and I are considering starting a home health agency. I am an RN and..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Abigail, There are many risks in opening any business, and a home- healthcare agency is no exception. However, with careful planning and consultation with appropriate profess... read more

I complained about an unsafe staffing situation and not only did I get written up, but my manager is trying to terminate me. Is there any law that protects me?
Question - Dear Nancy, I complained about an unsafe staffing situation, which has been occurring more..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Harriet, Your description of your problem at your place of employment certainly sounds retaliatory. Whether or not your state provides protection for someone who complains of... read more

I was dismissed from an RN program. Will my nursing credits transfer to another school?
Question - Dear Nancy, I was dismissed from an RN program. I am willing to move to another state. Wil..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Michelle, Contact the nursing education program you want to attend to determine the number of credits they allow for transfer and what courses can be transferred, should you ... read more

It is fairly common practice in my facility to take verbal orders from physicians. Does the person who takes the verbal order need to transcribe it?
Question - Dear Nancy, I am a nursing supervisor in a long-term care facility. It is my duty to notif..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Denise, The protocol for taking verbal or telephone orders should be developed, adopted and placed in the policies and procedures manual of the facility. Although variations ... read more