It is crucial for medical orders to be followed promptly and for documentation to be done correctly to ensure good patient care. Sometimes, there are instances when healthcare professionals may deviate from these standards, whether due to negligence, miscommunication, or other factors, that can affect patients. In such cases, a nurse attorney’s expertise is vital. Let’s examine the incident below to understand how a nursing defense attorney can support nurses who encounter similar challenges.
Incident: Delayed Radiological Assessment and Documentation
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Galveston, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) months.
On or about December 12, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Galveston, Texas, the RN did not timely transport and obtain a Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen and chest for a patient, as ordered. Specifically, the RN did not take the patient to Radiology for the ordered test during her shift and passed the task on to the oncoming night shift within three hours of the ordered scan. Additionally, the RN did not notify the charge nurse and/or the physician that she was not able to timely obtain the ordered CT. Additionally, the RN did not timely document ordered vital signs, intake, and output for her assigned patient.
Without consulting with a nursing defense attorney, the RN responded to the above incident and stated that the Computed Tomography (CT) was not ordered as emergent, therefore she prioritized other orders. The patient was actively deteriorating, and the RN had to pass a non-state order to the oncoming shift. RN stated that she relied on the continuity of care to ensure the CT was completed.
The above action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(C),(1)(D),(1)(M),(1)(P)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(4).
The Texas Board of Nursing then subjected the RN and her license to disciplinary action. The accusation would have been defended by an experienced and skilled Texas Nurse Attorney, had the RN hired one. Hiring a Texas Nurse Attorney for defense is applicable for any kind of accusation laid against an RN or LVN.
How does hiring A Texas Nursing Defense Attorney can help?
Nurse attorneys help nurses facing disciplinary action, license revocation, or criminal charges. They develop a customized defense strategy that addresses the specific circumstances of the case, and they advocate for the nurse throughout the legal process. The role of a nurse attorney is to safeguard the rights of nurses and defend their professional reputations.
In short, partnering with nurse defense attorneys can provide nurses with the peace of mind and support they need in their professional growth. Whether they are facing legal challenges or simply seeking some support, nurse defense attorneys are a valuable resource for nurses at all stages of their professional journey.
So if you’re dealing with accusations from the Texas BON, don’t stress out yourself. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your rights and your livelihood. Texas Nurse Attorney, Yong J. An. He is an experienced nurse attorney who helped represent more than 600 nurse cases for RNs and LVNs over the past 18 years.
You can call him at (832) 428-5679 to get started or to inquire for more information regarding your nursing license case.