Crossing the line: Sexual misconduct by nurses reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to examine nurse sexual‐misconduct–related reports in the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and to compare them with reports for other types of offenses. Design and Population We analyzed NPDB’s reports of adverse state nursing board licensure actions and malpractice payments for all nurses from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2016. Results Overall, 882 nurses had sexual‐misconduct–related reports. Most were aged 35–54 (63.2%), male (63.2%), and registered or advanced practice nurses (61.5%). The disciplinary actions noted in the 988 nurse sexual‐misconduct–related licensure reports were more frequently serious than those noted in the 207,023 reports for other offenses committed by nurses (90.8% vs. 74.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). Of the 33 nurses with sexual‐misconduct–related malpractice‐payment reports, 48.5% were not disciplined by any state board of nursing for these offenses. Three‐quarters of the victims in the 47 sexual‐misconduct–related malpractice‐payment reports were female, with “emotional injury only” reported as the severity of injury in 91.5% of these reports. Conclusions Very few nurses have been reported to the NPDB due to sexual misconduct. We welcome a zero‐tolerance standard against sexual misconduct involving patients by all types of health care professionals, including nurses.

Physicians and healthcare professionals in the era of #Metoo

“…Physicians and other healthcare workers are in a certain “positions of power” even without conscious awareness. [578] Patients and clients are in need, dependent on healthcare professionals for a benefit or service, and often invest a lot in healthcare practitioners emotionally and financially. As a result, they may not believe they have a choice to refuse or question inappropriate behaviors from their providers.…”

“…We must remain cognizant of our authority and its impact, while allowing a lot of space for shared decision making with respect and sensitivity. [34578] This is particularly true when working with members of vulnerable populations such as women, persons from lower socioeconomic status groups, children and adolescents, and others (e.g., victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse, homeless, and disabled individuals). We must hope to carry our responsibilities with the highest standards of professional conduct at all times because our respective fields demand it, the #MeToo movement notwithstanding.…”

“…First, we discussed above the mistreatment of clients or patients by healthcare professionals. [78] Unfortunately, there have been continued reports of extreme behaviors: either healthcare workers continue to abuse patients without facing consequences. More recently, there are instances where healthcare workers do not want to touch, resuscitate, or help when a client is in real need due to hesitancy and fear of being accused especially in light of the #MeToo movement.…”

“…Female clients and patients are more likely to be affected by such behaviors and continue to bear the major brunt of GBV acts of omission or commission by healthcare workers (ranging from neglect to abuse of all types such as physical, sexual, and emotional). [781316] Second, violence against healthcare workers may not only pose a risk to life, but can also lead to greater turnover, burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and poor work performance by healthcare workers. [910111213] Finally, violence among healthcare workers is associated with a broad range of health and professional risks such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, binge drinking, poor general health, lower job satisfaction, and greater turnover.…”

“…Clearly, there needs to be reconsideration of: professional codes of conduct; physician behaviors and community standards; mentor and mentee relationships in healthcare; impact of digitalization and telemedicine; professional socialization and conflicts of interest; social media, virtual relationships, and privacy; legal implications and disciplinary actions; ethics and confidentiality; consent and decision making; and self-care, wellness, and safety of physicians and healthcare workers while maintaining the highest standards of care for patients and clients. [3456789101213141516171819] In addition to these issues and given the #MeToo movement, we must also remain cognizant of the potential for gender-based neglect, backlash against certain groups, and categorizing a certain gender into one group (i.e. gendered assumptions for victims or perpetrators).…”