To provide the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare providers, nurses are frequently faced with difficult situations requiring effective communication, de-escalation techniques as well as highest professionalism. However, there are cases where this situation escalates and leads to unpleasant consequences like violent confrontations. Ensuring that nurses are properly equipped to deal with these scenarios, prioritizing the safety and dignity of all parties concerned, is vital. In such a situation, the nurse lawyer can be a valuable asset. The nurse can take steps to avoid similar events in the future, by consulting an attorney for a nursing profession who will be able to deal with complex issues of law and possibly avoid severe consequences. Additionally, this process can contribute to a safer and more respectful healthcare environment for all patients and healthcare providers involved.
Example Case Scenario: RN was Alleged of Responding Inappropriately to a Combative Patient
The incident happened on or about April 7, 2021, somewhere in Bryan, Texas. The RN was employed in the mentioned medical facility for over six (6) years and two (2) months. While on duty, the RN failed to explore appropriate de-escalation techniques with a combative patient with a confused mental status before a physical altercation took place in which the RN hit the patient in the face after the patient grabbed the RN and refused to let go of her hand.
As per the RN, when she heard a clamor between the patient and a nurse, she then entered the patient’s room. The patient was trying to get over the bed rail and they were trying to keep him in the bed. According to the RN, the patient managed to get out of bed and pulled out his IV and blood was getting everywhere. Moreover, the patient’s chest tube was stretched across the bed and they kept telling him to sit down and that he was going to hurt himself and fall. The RN tried to verbally de-escalate the situation but the patient was very aggressive. He started to run toward her coworker, and they called a Code Orange, which was a hospital protocol for aggressive patients, visitors, or staff. Furthermore, the RN attempted to calm the patient down by helping him sit down in a chair yet failed to do so. Rather, the patient grabbed her hand and squeezed extremely hard, which was very painful, the RN expressed. She asked him to let go of her hand yet he refused by saying, “I AM going to break it.” The RN couldn’t help but feel the fright as she thought the patient was really going to break her hand. She remembered striking him once and so the staff intervened to get the patient to let go of her. This inevitable situation calls for a competent Texas Nurse Attorney to assess the situation fairly and help the nurse involved.
The above actions constitute 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)(M).
A case was ultimately filed against the RN before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The said allegation was fatal to the RN’s capability to perform the essential functions and duties. Sad to say, the nursing defense attorney who handled her case was not able to properly defend her interests and rights before the Board. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) found her guilty of the offense alleged in the complaint and decided to place her RN license under disciplinary action.
Get equipped and let not the fear stop you from fighting for your rights. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An a dedicated nurse attorney who is willing to represent you before the board. We are available 24/7 you may call or text us at (832) 428-5679. For more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation, call us now. The legal service you need to win your rights.