Accusations are stressful issues for an RN or LVN, except when a Texas BON 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.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as a Director of Nursing at a hospice care provider in Allen, Texas, and had been in that position for five (5) months.
On or about August 15, 2020, while employed as a Director of Nursing at a hospice care provider in Allen, Texas, RN failed to ensure that the patient received a Weekly Skilled Nurse Visit for wound care as ordered by the physician. At the next nursing visit on August 22, 2020, the patient had a deep tissue injury to the right heel, a denuded wound to left hip, and an open sacral wound open with sloughing and eschar. RN’s conduct deprived the patient of detection and timely medical intervention in the event the patient experienced a change in condition and may have contributed to the deterioration of the patient’s wounds.
Another incident happened on or about August 22, 2020, through September 2, 2020, while employed as a Director of Nursing at a hospice care provider in Allen, Texas, RN failed to ensure that staff she was administratively responsible for, accurately assessed and measured the patient’s wounds to heels, left hip and coccyx. RN’s conduct was likely to harm the patient from clinical decisions based on incomplete assessment information and may have contributed to the deterioration of the patient’s wounds.
In response, RN states the patient had an extra nursing visit on September 8, 2020. RN states the physician was given routine and as needed reports about the wound. Furthermore, RN states that the goal in Hospice is not necessarily heal the wound, but to provide palliation, treat pain, prevent infection, and prevent the wound from getting worse, but patient’s advanced age, debilitated state, incontinence, inability to reposition, poor intake, and reliance on elderly caregiver most likely lead to worsening of the wound and developing new pressure ulcers.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13), Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D),(1)(M),(1)(P),(1)(U)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12.(1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
However, without enough evidence to prove she’s not guilty, the RN lost the case. This is the reason why the Texas Board of Nursing placed her RN license under disciplinary action.
Do not be stressed or anxious if you find yourself in a similar situation as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right RN/LVN license 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 RN/LVN license attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 16 years and represented over 300 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.