Allegations while at work could be serious cases, which is why a nurse attorney is needed if you get accused of this kind of scenario. However, there are some nurses who thought they were guilty of the charges and failed to hire a nurse attorney just because they thought it was the doom for their license already. But that is not entirely the case as there is still hope.
At the time of the initial incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in College Station, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year.
On or about October 8, 2019, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN failed to notify the physician when the family of the patient refused insertion of a second intravenous line so that the RN could administer an antibiotic, Merrem 500mg, intravenously every eight (8) hours, as ordered by the physician.
As a result, the RN did not administer the Merrem and documented in the medical record that administration was not appropriate at 0929 because a blood transfusion was ongoing. The RN’s conduct could have harmed the patient from the ineffective treatment of infection and resulted in an inaccurate medical record.
Then o or about October 10, 2019, the RN twice failed to administer Metoprolol 25mg orally every six (6) hours to the patient as ordered by the physician. In addition, the RN failed to assess the patient and notify the physician that the Metoprolol’ was not administered. Instead, the RN documented in the medical record that both administrations were not appropriate. The RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and could have injured the patient from ineffective treatment.
On or about October 8, 2019, through October 10, 2019, the RN failed to administer a continuous tube feeding of HIPro Isotonic (Replete) at 70ml/hour to the patient as ordered by the physician. The RN’s conduct could have harmed the patient from inadequate nutrition.
On or about October 10, 2019, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN failed to assess and/or document an assessment for the patient. The RN’s conduct could have injured the patient from clinical decisions based on incomplete assessment data.
On or about May 12, 2020, the RN failed to clarify the peritoneal dialysis catheter orders for the patient, which is required. a. caregiver to flush the catheter, connect it to bulb suction, empty and drainage, and place it to drain. The RN’s conduct could have harmed the patient from retention of dialysis fluid and insufficient drainage of the catheter…
In response to the incidents, the RN states she was a new nurse and was learning the tasks required and time management. She points out the 2019 errors were determined by the hospital to be part of a new nurse’s learning curve and the hospital stated she had learned from her mistakes; however, in 2020 when a physician became angry that he was contacted after hours for an order he considered to be clear and easy he filed a complaint that resulted in an allegation. The previous issues that had been resolved by the hospital were then brought forward again. The RN’s preceptor provided a letter explaining how the RN has grown from a new nurse and the preceptor believes the RN to be a competent and good nurse while another co-worker stated the RN is one of the best nurses she has ever worked with.
However, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) still disciplined and suspended the RN due to a lack of an experienced nurse attorney to help her defend her side.
If you’re facing cases such as this, and you think that additional disciplinary action should not be applied anymore, then be sure to hire a nurse attorney who can fully assist you. Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for more than 14 years. To contact him for inquiries or to schedule a confidential consultation, dial (832) 428-5679 to proceed.