As health caregivers, It’s important to keep in mind that patients’ safety must always be our top priority, hence nurses’ roles are essential to ensure that the right diagnosis and treatment are given. The sad truth is that, no matter how cautious we may be, there are unfortunate situations wherein we inevitably make mistakes due to varying factors. In order to effectively handle the intricacies of these grave accusations and the possible legal consequences, the proficiency of a nurse defense attorney is needed.
She had worked as an RN for four (4) years and four (4) months at an intermediate school in Tyler, Texas when the incident took place.
While working as an RN at an intermediate school in Tyler, Texas, on April 8, 2021, the RN was charged with the following:
1. The RN was reported to have left the patient with unlicensed staff to fetch an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), while she was away, the patient fell to the floor after an altercation with a student and suffered a syncopal episode. Furthermore, when she was about to place a cushion under the patient’s head, she didn’t apply any precautionary measures to the spinal which may have highly put the patient at risk of further injury.
2.To make matters worse, due to limited assessment done, the documentation wasn’t accurately made as there was missing information she failed to input. She also falsified and documented obtaining the patient’s vital signs, when in fact there were none made. Insufficient documentation and the lack of proper assessment could have put the patient in grave conditions.
The RN responds by saying that she evaluated the patient correctly. The registered nurse claims that while she was in the clinic, a teacher’s assistant told her about the altercation. The registered nurse reported to her clinic assistant that she was heading to the classroom to check on the situation. As she turned to a corner, she saw the patient fall to the ground, and a colleague was there to came to the patient’s aid and then placed her in a supine position on the floor. The RN claims that because the AED was closer to where she was standing, she quickly went back to the patient after retrieving it.
The RN made it clear that the patient was responding to inquiries, speaking clearly, and had never lost consciousness. The patient also had a normal pinkish skin color and was able to respond to questions with regard to injuries acquired and pain level. The registered nurse reports that she gave a thorough report and stayed by the patient’s side until emergency medical help arrived.
The registered nurse (RN) further notes that the patient’s blood pressure was taken by emergency medical personnel and she made sure to record it; she also added that she checked the patient’s pulse and observed the patient’s respirations; She reiterated that she had take the appropriate measures to ensure that the patient is fine and well attended.
This behavior violates 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D),(1)(M)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX, and is grounds for disciplinary action under Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code. CODE ADMIN. §217.12(1)(B),(1)(C),(4)&(6)(A).
Nonetheless, the RN lost the case because there was insufficient evidence to prove her innocence. The Texas Board of Nursing imposed disciplinary action on her RN license due to this reason.
If you find yourself in a circumstance similar to the one described above, do not be upset or worried. Instead, look for a legal expert who could help support you in a legal battle. Speak with a competent and experienced Texas RN/LVN licensing attorney to arm yourself with the information and experience you need for a successful conclusion.
Reach out to the Law Office of Yong J. An, a Texas nurse attorney with 16 years of experience representing over 300 nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing, via text message or phone at (832) 428-5679.