26 Delaware nurses have licenses annulled amid nursing diploma investigation

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) — Twenty-six nurses have been knowledgeable that their nursing license was annulled as a part of a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme uncovered by the Division of Justice.

“All of us really feel that is egregious,” stated Dr. Pamela Zickafoose, the Govt Director of Delaware’s Board of Nursing.

On Wednesday, the Justice Division launched particulars of what is been dubbed Operation Nightingale, in honor of Florence Nightingale.

It uncovered an enormous, coordinated effort to promote greater than 7,600 faux nursing diplomas and certificates for greater than $100 million.

“Once we discuss a nurse’s schooling, and credentials, shortcut shouldn’t be a phrase we wish to use,” stated Markenzy Lapointe, the U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of Florida.

A number of states have been concerned within the crackdown together with Delaware and New Jersey.

Feds announce large takedown of fraudulent nursing diploma scheme; 2 from South Jersey charged

Twenty-five folks face costs, together with Stanton Witherspoon and Alfred Sellu of Burlington County, New Jersey.

On Thursday, 6abc went to Witherspoon’s house, however he wasn’t out there to speak. When reached by telephone he stated he needed to discuss to his lawyer.

Information of the scheme shocked leaders of accredited faculties like La Salle College.

“So instantly you assume, ‘wow, will the general public belief us while you hear tales like that?’” stated Kathleen Czekanski, the dean of the college of nursing.

She is anxious that unqualified nurses may get jobs with out going by means of the correct coaching, which may have critical penalties.

“There’s so much that you must know,” she stated. “Secure care is basically in jeopardy while you’re not ready.”

The nurses who had their licenses annulled in Delaware can attraction the choice. Particulars on that may come out in February, however officers imagine the nurses knew what they have been doing was fraudulent.

“These individuals who went to those Florida faculties didn’t full the curriculum, the scientific coaching that’s required of all nurses to be eligible to be licensed as a nurse,” stated Dr. Zickafoose.

The FBI is working with state nursing boards throughout the nation to determine unqualified nurses. 6abc reached out to the boards in Pennsylvania and New Jersey however didn’t get a response.