How important is the consistent presence of nursing staff in a medical facility to ensure patient safety and the smooth operation of healthcare services? In a recent incident highlighted below involving an RN’s departure from her assignment without notifying the house supervisor, a delay in communication can pose potential risks to patient care. That’s why, in situations where RNs face allegations of such nature, the expertise of a nurse attorney becomes crucial in guiding them through the legal complexities and safeguarding their rights. A nurse defense attorney serves as an essential advocate for RNs in need of legal representation.
Incident Scenario: Abandonment of Emergency Department Duties Without Notification
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a medical facility in College Station, Texas, and had been in that position for nine (9) months.
On or about January 29, 2021, while employed as an RN at a medical facility in College Station, Texas, the RN left her assignment without notifying the house supervisor, who left the Emergency Department unattended. RN subsequently texted the house supervisor that she had a flat tire and would be late returning to work. RN’s conduct exposed patients unnecessarily to risk of harm in that leaving the nursing assignment could have resulted in the patients not getting the care needed.
Without seeking advice from a nurse defense attorney, the RN responded to the above incident. RN stated she ordered food and then left to go pick it up. There were no patients in the ER, and she clocked out before leaving and informed the security guard she would be gone for ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes; however, she got a flat tire on her way back to the facility. RN stated she informed her supervisor and was gone for approximately one (1) hour and twenty (20) minutes. She should have informed her lead but did not foresee getting a flat tire.
The above action constitutes 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)(I) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(4),(6)(A),(6)(H),(6)(I)&(12).
The Texas Board of Nursing gave the RN enough time to defend the complaints filed against her. However, there was a failure on the RN’s part to find the right RN/LVN nurse attorney to handle her case. The negligence of the RN/LVN license attorney led to the decision of the Texas BON to place the RN’s license under disciplinary action.
For a successful outcome, you must equip yourself with the right knowledge and expertise by consulting with a seasoned Texas RN/LVN nurse attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of legal representation before the board. You can contact him 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679 for a free consultation regarding any accusations from the Texas BON.
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