Select Page

Accusations are stressful issues for an RN or LVN, except when a 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 nurse attorney can also defend a nurse’s license against accusations.

At the time of the initial incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a health facility in Pasadena, Texas, and had been in that position for less than one (1) month. 

It was on or about January 17, 2019, through April 15, 2019, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN failed to document/enter medication into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the patient. Specifically, Ondansetron four (4) milligrams and Sumatriptan five (5) milligrams were brought to the hospital facility with a signed permission form to be administered as needed. The failure of the RN resulted in inaccurate medical records and was likely to injure patients in that subsequent caregivers would not have reliable information on which to base their care decisions.

On or about February 21, 2019, through April 15, 2019, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN failed to ensure that the medication count was completed and accurate for the patient. Subsequently, there were 3 tablets not accounted for in the count. The RN’s failure resulted in an inaccurate medical record. 

It was on or about February 28, 2019, through April 15, 2019, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the said RN failed to ensure that the medication dose did not exceed the authorized dosage for the patient. Specifically, the student’s parents authorized two and one half (2.5) tablets of Tylenol Junior Strength to be administered as needed for pain. The RN entered the incorrect dosage of three (3) tablets into the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The patient received the incorrect dosage of the medication on three (3) different dates. Additionally, the RN failed to ensure the medication was accurately counted and/or documented. Upon medication reconciliation, there were six (6) tablets unaccounted for. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient from adverse reactions from unauthorized doses of medication administered. 

The RN would like to note that the hospital facility was audited by the Health Coordinator both onsite and remotely on several different dates, and the most recent audit happened less than a month prior to the last date of her employment, and of the audits, none of the listed allegations, nor the need for remedial action, was found. The RN also mentioned that she would like to point out that the number sets for the cabinets and drawers were accessible by numerous individuals; these individuals could have accessed any number of medications without her knowledge because she remembered that she left the cabinets in her clinic unlocked. The RN reports that she was advised by her mentor that this was common practice to keep the cabinets open for access when she was in the clinic, all controlled medications were always double-locked and only unlocked to administer or refill.

The following incident and defense against the case caused the Texas Board of Nursing to place the RN and her license into disciplinary proceedings. She would have sought assistance from a good nurse attorney to provide clarifications for the case.

If you’ve ever done any errors during your shift as an RN or LVN, and you wish to preserve your career and your license, an experienced nurse attorney is what you need. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An, an experienced nurse lawyer for various licensing cases for 14 years, can assist you by contacting him at (832) 428-5679.