Clinical Mistakes vs. Negligence: What Can Get a Texas Nurse Disciplined?

Clinical Mistakes vs. Negligence: What Can Get a Texas Nurse Disciplined?

Nursing is one of the most trusted and most regulated professions. When mistakes happen, the Texas Board of Nursing has to figure out if it was an honest mistake or negligence. Knowing the difference is key to protecting your license and your patients.

Defining Clinical Mistakes & Negligence

A clinical mistake refers to any error or unintended act that occurs during patient care and fails to meet professional standards, potentially leading to patient harm. Such mistakes may arise from human factors like medication or documentation errors, miscommunication, or system issues.

In contrast, negligence is a failure to provide the standard of care resulting in harm or injury to the patient. Common examples are ignoring or delaying response to a patient's call for help, poor documentation of incidents, or improper use of equipment, causing patient injury.

What Can Actually Get a Nurse Disciplined?

Not all clinical mistakes lead to serious discipline. The main concern is whether your actions show negligence or a violation of professional standards. This is assessed by looking at a few key things, such as how serious the mistake was, if it became a part of a pattern, and the specific situation in which it happened. The following scenarios can certainly get a nurse disciplined:

A pattern of repeated mistakes shows the nurse's lack of competence or recklessness. A huge mistake that clearly goes against basic nursing care and seriously hurts a patient. An act of dishonesty, such as falsification of records. Failure to learn from past mistakes or ignoring directives to improve.

To protect your patients and your license, it is important to know the standards of patient care. Always practice defensive documentation by charting accurately and thoroughly. Actively participate in a safety culture by reporting near-misses and errors so everyone can learn. Finally, proactively seek help if you are struggling with burnout, as this is a step in preventing mistakes before they occur.

Support from Texas Nurse Lawyers for Allegations of Mistakes or Negligence

Despite Texas nurses' best efforts, they may still face allegations of mistakes or negligence. These allegations may lead to investigations, disciplinary actions, or even legal proceedings, which can be stressful and can threaten your career. Having an experienced nursing license defense attorney by your side can make a huge difference when facing these challenges. They provide reassurance and reduce stress beyond just legal protection.

At Texas Nurse Lawyers, we represented hundreds of Texas nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing. We provide expert guidance on the legal processes surrounding such allegations to protect your license and professional reputation. We will help you understand your rights, the scope of the investigation, and the possible actions the TBON may take. Our team assists you in preparing clear responses to inquiries, ensuring your side of the story is represented.

With over 17 years of experience, our team carefully analyzes documentation and witness statements to develop a fact-based defense, ensuring that any misunderstandings are addressed effectively. We understand this can be stressful. That's why we offer guidance and caring support throughout the entire process.

Don't wait, contact us today. Early guidance can make all the difference.