Facing the California Board of Registered Nursing is a stressful and overwhelming process. Coming out the other side with your nursing license reinstated is a huge victory, but it’s also the start of another battle. Having your license suspended and then reinstated can rattle your confidence in your knowledge and abilities as a healthcare professional.
When it’s time to walk through the doors of the facility and clock back in as a nurse, the entire process can feel daunting. Here’s what to do to make the transition a little easier as you rebuild your confidence and your reputation as a nurse.
What Your License Reinstatement Actually Requires for Returning Nurses
Before you step back into practice, it’s important to slow down and fully understand what reinstatement means in your specific case. Many nurses assume that once they get their license reinstated, everything returns to normal. That isn’t always true.
In many cases, the California Board of Registered Nursing attaches conditions to reinstatement. These may include required educational courses or work restrictions. Make sure you identify any conditions that you are subject to and lay out a plan for meeting them.
If you miss a requirement or deadline, it can create an entirely new set of problems for you. Be diligent and document every step you take to fulfill your reinstatement requirements.
Walking Back Into the Workplace After Reinstatement
The first few days back at work are going to be emotionally difficult. Even when you are fully cleared to work, it can feel like everyone is watching you or judging your return.
In reality, most people are focused on their jobs and taking care of patients. The internal pressure can feel much louder than anything happening around you. Here are a few tips to help you tune out the self-imposed pressure:
- Stick closely to workplace policies
- Get into a healthy rhythm
- Ask clarifying questions when needed
- Talk to your supervisor
- You’ll slowly build back your confidence through repetition.
Rebuild Confidence on Your Timeline
When your license is reinstated, most people will assume you are excited to be returning to work as a nurse. You may be eager to prove yourself, but the emotional toll of having actions taken against your license is still difficult. You may even second-guess yourself in routine situations that you’ve dealt with hundreds of times before.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel a bit of hesitation. What you endured was difficult, and there is no reason to pretend it wasn’t. The fact that the California Board of Registered Nursing reinstated your license does not erase what happened or the stress it brought out. Focus on doing the basics well and build back your confidence over time.
Being Prepared to Address What Happened
At some point, people are going to ask about your license and what happened, especially if you apply to new nursing roles after your license is reinstated. Employers are going to conduct a background check, and prior disciplinary action involving the California Board of Registered Nursing may appear during credentialing. You may also need to enter a reentry program to practice as a nurse again.
Your peers and supervisors may get curious as well if you return to the same job. Be prepared for the conversation and determine ahead of time what you will and won’t discuss. Be honest, but keep it brief. Own your mistakes, but quickly shift the conversation to how you’ve grown and gotten better as a healthcare professional.
Finding the Right Work Environment
Not every workplace will be the right fit for you after reinstatement. You may decide to go back to your previous employer, as the environment is familiar and you have established relationships there. Some nurses want a fresh start.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing where to work next. However, you may decide that a slower-paced environment gives you time to get acclimated to nursing with less stress.
Staying in Compliance Going Forward
If your reinstatement includes probation or monitoring, compliance with those requirements becomes an important part of your daily work responsibilities. The California Board of Registered Nursing expects strict adherence to every condition tied to reinstatement. That may include reporting obligations and continuing education requirements.
Set reminders for yourself so you don’t miss a deadline. Keep detailed records and stay organized so you can avoid violating the terms of your reinstatement.
Don’t Face the California Board of Registered Nursing Alone
A California Board of Registered Nursing investigation is unsettling and stressful. Whether you have just received notice of an impending investigation or are navigating the reinstatement process, it’s best to have someone in your corner. S J Harris Law offers license defense services for California professionals and healthcare workers.
Want to learn how S J Harris Law can support your bid for reinstatement and protect your reputation? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
