It is commonly known that the Texas Board of Nursing does not allow any type of behavior that can jeopardize the quality of healthcare provided across Texas hospitals, medical centers, home healthcare facilities, and any other facilities that employ nurses. If a nurse in Texas demonstrates any type of conduct that interferes with providing proper care to patients, the Texas BON will intervene with disciplinary action.
Drinking alcohol can impair a medical provider’s judgement to make rational decisions, as well as impair their ability to properly perform their routine and required duties as a nurse.
While many nurses realize the seriousness of drinking prior to or during a shift, one nurse in Texas had a lapse in judgement which caused him to face disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing.
In March 2013, a nurse in Texas was asked to take a drug test which ultimately showed that there were metabolites of alcohol found via testing positive for Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS).
As a result of this test, the nurse was told to abstain from the consumption of alcohol, Nubain, Stadol, Dalgan, Ultram and any other synthetic opiates, and/or controlled substances (except as prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a legitimate purpose.
In July of 2014, this same nurse attended a dinner for his birthday and engagement celebration and admitted to drinking some wine with dinner. Even though the nurse was not intoxicated and did not drive home; the Texas BON found that there were serious risks posed to the public health & safety as a result of impaired nursing care due to intemperate use of controlled substances or alcohol.
As a result, the nurse was sanctioned with a warning with stipulations and a fine. The situation could have been worse and the nurse could have lost his license to practice nursing in Texas.
If You Find Yourself in a Similar Situation, Immediately Speak to a Texas Nurse Defense Attorney
If you have received a letter from the Texas BON for use of drugs/alcohol or any other offense, it is best to consult an experienced Texas Nurse Defense Attorney who can guide you on the steps you need to take to protect your nursing license.
Contact nurse attorney Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.