Following a facility’s policy and procedures is very important as well as doing proper documentation. If not done properly and accurately, it can put a patient in harm. This is why every RN should practice keeping accurate and complete medical records for documentation purposes. Inaccurate documentation can lead and can cause negative outcomes. If you are in such a situation, it is best to consult a nurse attorney to know what proper measures to take in facing cases.
At the time of the incident, the RN was employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at a hospital in Frisco, Texas, and had been in that position for thirty-two (32) years and four (4) months.
On or about December 3, 2019, the RN was assigned to care for a student during a special education student field trip, the RN inappropriately wasted a clonazepam Img tablet, in that the RN discarded the Img tablet while the students were at a local restaurant and failed to return the Img tablet to the school; the RN also failed to document wastage of the medication in the student’s medical record or nursing notes. The RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and left the medication unaccounted for and subject to misappropriation and/or diversion.
In response to the incident, the RN states that one (1) tablet of clonazepam fell from the package and was then discarded. The RN further states she should have returned the discarded tablet to the school nurse.
Due to the professional misconduct of the RN, the evidence received by the Board is sufficient to prove that the RN committed the violation(s) which is cause pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13), Texas Occupations Code, to take disciplinary action against the RN.
If only the RN had hired and consulted a nurse attorney, the case could have had a positive outcome. Hiring a nurse attorney can be an RN’s best line of defense against accusation or complaint cases.
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 attorney Yong.