Fundamental principles of nursing practice, even in the unique environment of a prison institution, are to ensure that patient’s well-being is protected and they follow the highest standards of care. In order to preserve life, it is necessary to respond swiftly and appropriately to medical emergencies like the initiation of cardiac resuscitation. Failure to comply with these protocols and emergency care being initiated by personnel who do not have the relevant medical qualifications, raise serious concerns about patients’ safety and competence of healthcare professionals. It is essential, given the gravity of these allegations and their implications for patients’ safety, to seek advice from competent authorities. A nurse attorney will be essential in providing legal advice, guiding the LVN through possible disciplinary proceedings, and advocating a fair resolution when dealing with allegations properly. As a reference, a case scenario is provided below for better understanding.
The incident took place at a correctional facility in Allen, Texas. Where an LVN was employed and had been in the specified position for three (3) years and ten (10) months.
It happened on or about July 09, 2021, while on duty, the LVN failed to immediately initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when the patient was found unresponsive in the cell; instead, correctional officers entered the cell and initiated chest compressions. Unfortunately, the patient could no longer be revived. Which is completely observed as misconduct on the LVN’s part. On a different note, the LVN is most likely to injure the patient as unlicensed personnel performed the resuscitation process and emergency care techniques which could negatively result in lifesaving treatment.
In the LVN’s defense, she stated that she directed a security officer to initiate the Incident Command System (ICS) when the patient failed to respond and accept his medications. She also added that correctional officers then entered the cell and noted the patient was not responsive and immediately initiated CPR. The LVN further stated that she then momentarily left the cell area to retrieve the AED, and when she saw the medical team approaching with the emergency equipment, she returned to the cell to assist with chest compressions.
After a thorough investigation, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her LVN license under disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she had not hired a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
In situations of the same scenario above, if you are in doubt, it’s best to seek legal advice. Consult an experienced nurse attorney who would not just walk with you hand in hand but would provide you with greater service and help fight for your rights. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for various nurse licensing cases. His office is available 24/7 you can call or text at (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.