Effective leadership and clarity of communication are essential to ensure that care is delivered at the right time, particularly during emergency cases such as Code Blue, within healthcare settings. As nurses are expected to provide guidance, coordination, and support to the healthcare team, they often play an important role in such scenarios. However, there are instances where this leadership is lacking, which may lead to delays or inefficiencies in the care of patients. Nurse lawyers may be able to offer useful assistance in situations like these. A nurse attorney specializes in healthcare law and is well aware of the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers, including nurses.
Example Case Scenario: RN was Accused of Lapses During a Code Blue Incident
The incident occurred at a hospital in Carrollton, Texas. The RN was employed in the said hospital for a year and five (5) months.
On or about the 6th of November, 2021, while employed as an RN there, the RN failed to provide direction for the nursing staff when a Code Blue was called for the patient. The RN’s conduct may have contributed to a delay in care in that fellow staff members lacked the RN’s leadership during the Code Blue procedures.
The RN stated in her response that she had never undergone training in Code Blue in her professional career and never participated in Code Blue. She had seen the Code Team take care of her patient when they called a code blue. In order to assist the Code Team, the RN ensured that EMS was called, that the patient records were found and reviewed, that the RN communicated with the admitting physicians, that the Risk Management Officer was informed, and that EMS had the patient records upon their departure. At the time, the RN was unaware of the hospital’s CPR/Code Blue Response Policy. Sixteen days after this incident, on November 22, 2021, the hospital conducted training for RNs other physicians, and mid-level providers of its CPR/Code Blue Response Policy. The RN deliberately gave this response to the BON without the advice of an expert Texas Nurse Attorney.
The above action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(13) Texas Occupations Code and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(M)&(1)(P).
Unfortunately, she was found guilty of her actions by the Texas Board of Nursing. The nurse’s license was suspended for disciplinary reasons. In order to fully defend her case, which led to the decision of the Texas BON, she did not hire an experienced Texas BON attorney.
Let not fear drive you when moments like this occur. Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a private consultation to evaluate your case and counsel you on the legal processes you may take. Allow an experienced nurse defense lawyer to help you secure your job and license. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 18 years and represented over 600 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact Mr. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679