Every practicing RN license holder in the state of Texas is required to follow certain rules and regulations imposed by the government. These laws and statutes were implemented to ensure that the safety of the patients is protected by the state. The nursing profession is not an easy journey.
An RN who commits any violation can place her RN License in jeopardy. The Texas Board of Nursing has the authority to revoke or suspend an RN license in the country for as long as there is a justifiable reason.
On or about February 1, 2016, to a then employed Nurse Anesthetist and assigned to work in the Operating Room in a medical center in Eagle Pass. The RN failed to ensure that end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring was initiated and monitored when starting Intravenous Anesthesia for a patient. Additionally, the RN failed to assess and document oxygen saturation for the patient. Subsequently, intubation was delayed and the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate began to drop, requiring the patient to be quickly intubated and resuscitated. The patient then required transfer to another facility to receive a higher level of neurological services.
The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to monitor oxygen levels, as well as a delay in emergency treatment, could have resulted in respiratory complications and possible demise.
As a response to the accusations against her, the RN stated that she did not use end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring because it was the standard of care, but also stated that an open face mask was used and she neglected to place it under the patient’s nose.
The RN further stated that the patient began tapping the finger that had the pulse monitor attached, which made the oxygen levels fluctuate. She also stated that the patient began wagging his airway open, which required administration of Ketamine and Propofol, then chin lift to keep his airway open. The RN also stated that when the patient began showing signs of decreasing heart rate, the RN began to mask-bag to keep oxygen saturation up.
The RN further stated that she neglected to recognize and initiate rapid cardiac resuscitation.
Unfortunately, the Texas BON was found guilty of her deeds. She was disciplined and her RN license was suspended.
The Texas Board of Nursing then decided to subject the LVN and her license into disciplinary proceedings. The said proceedings shall ensure the safety of the patient, along with a better future for the LVN’s career. However, she should contact a nurse attorney in order to receive assistance regarding the case, especially if the LVN sincerely thinks of it as an accusation.
For more details or for a confidential consultation regarding accusations, it’s best to contact an experienced nurse attorney. Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney which helped RNs and LVNs defend against several cases since 2006. You can call him at (832) 428-5679 to get started or to inquire for more information regarding nursing license case defenses.