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 professi... 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

I was let go from my LPN position at a large hospital because of a restructuring of RNs. Some LPNs had positions created for them. Is this legal?
Question - Dear Nancy, After 15 years, I was let go from my LPN position at a large hospital because ..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Nellie, Your question contains two issues that can be discussed here. Initially, what an LPN can and cannot do is based on the state nurse practice act. Many states indicate ... read more

A position I have held for four years is now being changed and being posted. Do I have any legal recourse?
Question - Dear Nancy, I am a nurse at a private school and have a 10-month contract that ends in Jun..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Stephanie, Without a review of your contract with the private school, it would be impossible to evaluate whether or not you have any legal recourse in this situation. A speci... read more