The practice of the nursing profession can become challenging and demanding all at the same time. An RN in Texas needs to follow several rules and regulations in order to prevent revocation of her RN license. In the past, several cases were filed against different nurses involving substance use and mental health disorder which may have put their RN license in danger. This could be grounds for disciplinary actions and license suspension or revocation if a nurse will not hire a nurse attorney for defense.
And is exactly what happened to a particular RN in Houston when she lacked fitness to practice professional nursing, in that she has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that could result in an injury to a patient or the public.
On or about March 18, 2015, while participating in the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN), the RN engaged in the use of Codeine and Morphine, in that she submitted a specimen for a urine drug screen that resulted positive for Codeine and Morphine.
Her condition could affect her ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions, and could affect her ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patients in potential danger.
The RN also failed to hire a nurse attorney to defend her side, which led to the suspension of her license by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Avoid the same thing from happening in your case. Make sure to take the necessary steps in dealing with a complaint filed before the Board against you or else, your RN license may be put in danger.
If you received a letter from the Texas BON for