Whenever someone filed a complaint against you involving sleeping at work, your license could be put in danger if not defended properly by a nurse attorney. An RN from Houston, Texas is just one of the many examples of nurses who found sleeping while on duty.
On or about September 27, 2018, while employed as a Registered Nurse in a Methodist hospital in Houston, the RN violated the boundaries of the nurse/client relationship in that she provided twenty dollars ($20) and her personal phone number to a patient.
Because of this, the RN was summoned by the Texas Board of Nursing to defend her side. She explains that the patient was frequently upset and tearful about having been displaced by Hurricane Harvey, and due to her financial situation. She states that on the day of her discharge, the patient mentioned several times that she needed seventy dollars ($70) for a cell phone bill and asked her if she could help.
The RN states that the patient also asked for her phone number in case she had questions or needed further assistance. She states that she gave the patient twenty dollars ($20) and wrote her number on the bill. She states that she initially told management that she did not give the patient money, although she did.
The RN states that she understands that it is not common for a nurse to give the patient money and she will not ever do it again. She states that she felt that given her hardship, it was the right thing to do to help by giving her twenty dollars ($20) and her phone number.
However, the Board states that her conduct violated the professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship and was likely to injure the patient in that it could have resulted in confusion between the needs of the nurse and those of the patient. In addition, the RN’s conduct may have caused delayed distress for the patient, which may not be recognized or felt by the patient until harmful consequences occur.
Furthermore, the RN failed to hire a nurse attorney to help her with her case. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing suspended and disciplined the RN.
Do not fret if you find yourself in a similar situation same as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right nurse attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579