An experienced nurse attorney has surely helped a lot of RNs and LVNs when it comes to cases that may lead to disciplinary action. Unfortunately, not all nurses were able to hire a nurse attorney as they underwent such cases. This incident that an RN did in August 2017, was one of those examples.
It was on or about August 21, 2017, and August 25, 2017, while employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Abilene, Texas, and on assignment at a Medical Center in Austin, Texas, the RN removed chronic pain medication and Fentanyl from the medication dispensing system for patients but failed to accurately and/or completely and accurately document the administration of the medications in the patient’s Medication Administration Record, as follows:
| Date | Time | Patient | Medication Withdrawn (Qty) | MAR | |
| 8/21/17 | 1538 | #1 | Chronic pain medication 2mg (1) syringe | None | |
| 8/25/17 | 1101 | #2 | Fentanyl 100mcg (1) ampule | None |
While on or about August 21, 2017, and August 25, 2017, while employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Abilene, Texas, and on assignment at a Medical Center in Austin, Texas, the RN removed chronic pain medication and Fentanyl from the medication dispensing system for patients but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for the wastage of the unused portion of the chronic pain medication and Fentanyl as follows:
| Date | Time | Patient | Medication Withdrawn (Qty) | Waste | Physician’s Order | MAR |
| 8/21/17 | 1538 | #1 | Chronic pain medication 2mg (1) syringe | None | Chronic pain medication 2mg IV Q4H PRN | None |
| 8/25/17 | 1101 | #2 | Fentanyl 100mcg (1) ampule | 50mcg @1142 | Fentanyl 50mcg IV QIH PRN | None |
The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patient which could result in an overdose. Additionally, she left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10) & (13), Texas Occupations Code, and also with the Texas Admin Code.
After the event and the investigations, the RN was summoned by the Texas Board of Nursing to give her a chance to defend herself. She was given the right of legal counsel or a nurse attorney but failed to do so. This led to the RN’s unfortunate situation such as facing the Texas Board of Nursing and may receive discipline that may even suspend her license or lose it for good.
It’s best to secure your career for a better life, which is why a knowledgeable nurse attorney is always present to assist you against any accusations and false records. To receive the finest private consultation for your nurse case, be sure to hire Nurse Attorney Yong J. An – a knowledgeable professional in handling several nursing licenses and criminal cases since 2006. All you need is to contact him at (832)-428-5679 to begin.