An Iowa nurse with a history of criminal charges is now facing disciplinary charges for alleged drug-related offenses.
The Iowa Board of Nursing has charged 32-year-old Taylor Lynn Syndergaard, also known as Taylor Lynn Miller, with obtaining or possessing or administering controlled substances without lawful authority, and with violating an agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program that assists health professionals with substance abuse issues.
Board records describe Syndergaard as currently living in Odebolt and Alta.
As is customary with Iowa’s licensing boards, the Board of Nursing has not disclosed the alleged conduct that gave rise to the disciplinary charges, or stated when or where the conduct is alleged to have taken place.
Board records indicate the investigation of the matter was initiated in 2025. A board hearing on the matter is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026.
Syndergaard said Thursday she’s unsure why the board appears to be pursuing charges against her, as she voluntarily surrendered her license a few weeks ago. She said she worked for years in Iowa nursing homes, then struggled with an addiction that stemmed from the prescribed use of opioids. She said she voluntarily stopped practicing nursing in August 2024, and in 2025 enrolled in an inpatient treatment program from which she has successfully graduated.
Court records show that in July 2024, while working at Spirit Lake’s Wel-Life Assisted Living Center, Syndergaard was charged with domestic abuse-assault. Syndergaard has not entered a plea in that case and after six continuances the charge is still pending, with hearings scheduled for consideration of a deferred prosecution in the matter.
In April 2025, Syndergaard’s husband received a no-contact order against her, alleging domestic abuse. In May 2025, that order was lifted by the court.
In July 2025, Syndergaard was charged with selling 19 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $440 in cash and gasoline. She pleaded not guilty to a controlled-substance violation, and a trial in that matter is now scheduled for June 11, 2026.
In January 2026, Syndergaard was charged with violating a co-contact order. That charge is still pending.
In February 2026, Syndergaard was charged with second-degree theft and criminal mischief. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges and a trial is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
