Accusations are stressful issues for an RN or LVN, except when a Texas nurse attorney assists you against the case. The Texas Board of Nursing is responsible for all hearings against RNs and LVNs undergoing a case that may revoke, suspend, or only discipline their license. Take note that a skilled nurse attorney can also defend a nurse’s license against accusations.
Alleged Incident: Issues of Misappropriating Medications
On or about June 22, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Garland, Texas. RN misappropriated Propofol belonging to the facility and patients thereof in that RN removed a syringe from the operating room and took it to the restroom. Subsequently, the syringe was found in the restroom. When confronted by the Nurse Manager, RN stated it was her syringe and said she’d given herself an injection of Toradol. However, the syringe was tested by a laboratory and was identified as Propofol. RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients thereof of the cost of the medications.
In response, the RN stated she was in the operating room preparing a patient for surgery when she saw an empty syringe under the patient’s arm. She placed the syringe in her pocket and subsequently went to the restroom because she had a migraine. The syringe fell from her pocket while she was in the restroom stall. The RN stated she told the Nurse Manager it was her syringe, but she meant it came from her patient.
A case was eventually filed against her by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The allegation was fatal to the RN’s ability to execute key responsibilities and duties. Unfortunately, the nursing defense attorney who handled her case was unable to effectively represent her interests and rights before the Board. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) deemed her guilty of the violation claimed in the complaint and imposed disciplinary action on her license.
As medical practitioners, we have to be mindful of our responsibility not just as caregivers but also as advocates for our patients’ well-being. Therefore, we must avoid taking advantage of the accessibility we have over certain medications, whether they are the patient’s or the hospital’s belongings.
You must contact a nurse attorney as soon as possible after having received a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing about a case or complaint that has been filed against you.
Yong J. An, a Texas nurse attorney, is among the dedicated legal experts who have supported over 300 nursing lawsuits throughout his 16-year career. If you would like to arrange a private appointment or for further information, you may reach him at (832) 428-5679, which is open 24/7.