It’s best to seek the help of a nurse attorney when facing different complaints and allegations. However, some nurses tend to face these results instead without thinking that nurse attorneys are always reliable for matters such as these.
At the time of the initial incident, the LVN was employed as a Licensed Vocational
Nurse in a medical facility in Cedar Park and had been in that position for one year and seven months.
On or about September 14, 2019, while employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in a medical facility in Cedar Park, the LVN applied three doses of 2mg Lorazepam gel to a patient, without a physician’s order. The medication was ordered for another resident and was not documented as being used on that resident’s controlled drug record.
Additionally, the patient failed to notify hospice services and/or the resident’s physician about the incident and the resident’s behavior. The RN’s conduct resulted in an incomplete medical record and exposed the resident to a risk of harm from possible overdosage of sedating medication.
The Texas Board of Nursing sent a letter to the LVN regarding the issue so then she can have the chance to defend herself.
In response to the incident, the RN states that this was an uncontrollable emergent situation. She states that the resident was acting aggressively, trying to break down the front door, punching the LVN in the back, and could not be redirected. She states that the resident threw a vase in the hallway, and staff members had to move residents and families out of the way.
The LVN states that at that time, she did the only thing she could think of and went to the nurse’s office and obtained lorazepam gel from the fridge and applied it to the resident. She states she administered three doses because she thought the topical absorption rate was slow and unreliable. She adds that she knew the resident had the same medication ordered for the oral route and did not have an allergy; she did not think the resident would take a pill at that time. The LVN states the event was self-reported to the administrator and health services director, and the hospice nurse was notified at the first opportunity. She states that the hospice nurse and physician were not notified at the time because this was not a new behavior or a change in condition. She states that she never attempted to conceal the use of the gel, she was just busy caring for sixty residents.
However, she was not able to provide a good defense for herself. Therefore, the Board placed her LVN license to a disciplinary action instead.
If you ever undergo cases such as this, it’s best to seek the assistance of a good nurse attorney as it could make the case better in your favor. Be sure to find a nurse attorney who’s experienced and knowledgeable in several nurse cases to ensure the best assistance possible.
If you also received a complaint regarding a case filed on you, you should hire a nurse attorney immediately before it’s too late. Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An is one of those dedicated nurse lawyers who helped various nurses in their cases since 2006. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation.