Being a nurse comes with a lot of responsibilities but just one mistake could turn your career upside down. A lot of RNs can’t avoid circumstances of unexpected events but they can avoid further consequences or punishments to happen with the help of a nurse attorney.
At the time of the initial incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Galveston, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and seven (7) months.
It was on or about April 24, 2018, when the RN was assigned as a Unit Guide/Preceptor for a new RN, the RN failed to ensure the physician was notified of the lab results for a Patient. The RN’s conduct delayed the onset of medical interventions needed to prevent further complications.
And on or about April 24, 2018, the RN failed to educate and counsel the Patient and her family by communicating all lab results. The RN’s conduct deprived the patient and her family of the opportunity to actively participate in the patient’s treatment.
Then on or about April 25, 2018, the RN allowed the new RN to administer Tobramycin, a nephrotoxic drug, to the Patient, who had elevated BUN and creatinine lab results. The RN’s conduct unnecessarily exposed the patient to a risk of harm from complications associated with renal insufficiency and/or toxicity.
In response, The RN states that as part of her shift change routine, she reviewed the patient’s labs and recognized that her BUN and creatinine levels were abnormally high. The RN also states she was not aware that the labs had not been communicated to the physician during the prior shift when they became available. The RN also states that as soon as she started her shift, the patient’s Aunt inquired about the patient’s lab results and stated the family was expecting to receive them. She also states that she thought the family was awaiting new results, not the ones from the prior shift, so she and the new RN told the family they would provide them with results as soon as they were available. The RN states she had no idea that the family was not made aware of the patient’s lab results from the prior shift. Regarding the tobramycin, the RN states she supervised the new RN when it came time to carry out the physician’s order for tobramycin. The RN states while preparing to administer the medication, the patient’s chart displayed a “pop-up” which alerted her and the new RN to the patient’s abnormal lab results, including the elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The RN states she went to her charge nurse and discussed whether to move forward with the administration of the medication, and her charge nurse instructed them to continue with the administration of the tobramycin.
As a result, the Board of Nursing subjected the RN to disciplinary sanction and further sanction may apply. The RN failed to hire a nurse attorney that leads to the outcome that he is in. It is really important that you have someone who you can rely on when such a thing happens. Hiring a nurse attorney is very worth a try for RNs who are having a hard time with their cases.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Nurse Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.