Healthcare workers are expected to remain in a state of fitness for practice while at work, and the nursing profession requires a high degree of responsibility and dedication to patient care. Unfortunately, there are times when claims of deviant behavior are made against medical professionals, which raises doubts about their capacity to deliver competent and safe care. A nurse attorney’s assistance becomes essential for a solid defense to handle these intricate legal matters and protect the rights of the registered nurse.
She was employed as an RN at a hospital in the Woodlands, Texas for 7 years when the initial incident happened.
The RN lacked the fitness to practice professional nursing on or about February 11 2021 through March 16, 2021, while working as an RN at a hospital in the Woodlands, Texas. During this time, she showed impaired behavior while at work, which included, but was not limited to, slurred speech, stumbling, glassy eyes, and an inability to stay focused. Moreover, she was unable to drive herself home, thus on or around February 23, 2021, coworkers had to escort her home. Due to the RNs condition, patients may have been put in danger because she was unable to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in patient’s conditions. She may also have been unable to make accurate and logical assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care.
When the registered nurse submitted a specimen for a reasonable suspicion drug screen on or around March 16 2021 the results indicated that the RN used controlled substances in an intemperate manner while working at a hospital in the Woodlands, Texas. When a nurse is on call or at work, the use of that controlled substance may make it more difficult for them to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition or to make accurate, reasonable, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, which may put patients in danger.
The registered nurse claims that in reaction to the said incidents, she had a urine drug test performed, and the results showed that she had taken a controlled substance. The RN clarified that she informed the medical examiner that she doesn’t take any medications that contain such. The RN stated that if her Ambien wasn’t the cause, she had no idea how it turned up in her urine drug test.
The aforementioned behavior violates 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B)&(1)(T) and 22 TEX, and is grounds for disciplinary action in line with Section 301.452(b)(9),(10),(12)&(13) Texas Occupations Code. §217.12 ADMIN. CODE (1)(A), (1)(B), (4), (5), (10)(A), (10)(D), & (11)(B).
The RN’s license was then subject to disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing. If the RN had retained a nurse attorney, the charge would have been handled by a qualified and capable lawyer for nurses. For any type of charge made against an RN or LVN, hiring a nurse attorney for defense is appropriate.
Keep in mind that anyone, for any reason, can complain to the state board against an RN or LPN. When this occurs, any complaints regardless of how significant or baseless they may seem-must be handled with care. when you receive a summons from the state board, a nurse attorney can assist you in defending your license. Speak with a competent and experienced Texas RN license attorney to arm yourself with the information and experience you need for a successful outcome. 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.