Being a nurse and seeing patients recover with such great results is very rewarding to nurses. But nurses tend to do their duties in an inappropriate manner. Poor nursing care can be a result of overworked, long working hours, stress, and many more which are common in nursing. But it should not be tolerated, as nurses are expected to give the proper care needed by the patients. Those nurses who neglect to do their duties properly are sanctioned by the Board. This case scenario for nurses should be dealt with properly with a help of a nurse attorney.
At the time of the incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Odessa, Texas, and had been in that position for four (4) months.
It was on or about October 15, 2019, that the RN failed to notify the physician that the patient experienced a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius during a blood transfusion, along with decreased oxygen saturation levels. In addition, the RN failed to notify the physician and/or appropriately intervene when the patient experienced elevated temperatures at 02:55 and 06:49. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to notify the physician and obtain orders for interventions could have placed the patient at risk for complications related to untreated fever and possible transfusion reaction.
And on or about November 1, 2019, the RN failed to administer insulin to a patient, as ordered. Instead, the RN documented that the medication was not given to the aforementioned patient as “not appropriate at this time.” However, pursuant to the insulin sliding scale order for Patient MRN 210438, the patient should have received four (4) units of insulin. In addition, the RN failed to notify the physician that she held the aforementioned patient’s insulin. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to administer medication as ordered could have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
Another incident was on or about November 1, 2019, through November 2, 2019, the RN failed to observe diet and swallowing precautions, as ordered when she administered oral medications to the patient. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to follow orders could have placed them at risk for complications related to aspiration
In response to the incidents, the RN states that at the time of the incidents she had practiced nursing for only 1 year and had worked at the said hospital for less than five months, during which time she was in training and working with a proctor. She states that she understands she must be vigilant about understanding and precisely following physician’s orders, patient’s care plans, and facility policies. She also states that she understands that a lack of precise compliance with these directives leads to a breakdown in patient care, particularly for a new nurse lacking experience. She states that she has thoroughly analyzed the incidents at issue, understands the seriousness of these events, and knows where and why the care breakdowns occurred. And lastly, she states that she is deeply sorry for her mistakes and is committed to not repeating them.
Due to the evidence received by the Board, the RN was subject to disciplinary action. This was caused pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13). The result could have been different if the RN came prepared in facing the Board, wherein the help of a nurse attorney could have changed the outcome of the case.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for a nurse attorney.