In the healthcare profession, RNs are entrusted with the critical responsibility of providing accurate and ethical patient care. However, there are instances where RNs may face allegations of inaccurate documentation and unprofessional conduct. Such allegations can have serious repercussions, including potential harm to patients and damage to the nurse’s professional reputation. When an RN is confronted with these allegations, the expertise of a Texas nurse attorney becomes essential. An attorney for nurses, with their specialized knowledge of both nursing practice and legal procedures, can provide invaluable support.
Let’s read about an incident where a nurse has allegedly engaged in an inaccurate documentation and unprofessional behavior.
A Summary of Events During RN’s Duty
An RN while employed at a pediatric medical facility in Midland, Texas, inaccurately documented that she collected a nasopharyngeal specimen for a respiratory viral panel (RVP) from a pediatric patient. Instead, she admitted that she left the swab in the patient’s room to tend to another patient, and upon her return the patient had swabbed herself. Additionally, the RN submitted the specimen to the lab for processing. RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record.
Another allegations was that while employed as an RN with a pediatric medical facility in Midland, Texas, the RN inappropriately contacted the patient via Facebook Messenger and telephone, to discuss her fear of job loss after permitting the patient to collect her own specimen for a respiratory viral panel (RVP) without supervision. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that it could have resulted in confusion between the needs of the nurse and those of the patient. In addition, RN’s conduct may have caused delayed distress for the patient, which may not be recognized or felt by the patient until harmful consequences occur.
Without consulting a Texas nurse attorney, RN responded to the allegations and stated she left the swab in the patient’s room to tend to another patient, and upon her return, the patient had swabbed herself, as she had previously done. The RN also added that she submitted the specimen to the lab for processing, upon instructions from her supervisor. The RN inappropriately responded to a Facebook message from that patient (who was 16 years old) regarding concerns over the patient being permitted to collect her own specimen for a respiratory viral panel without supervision. RN acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
The Texas Board of Nursing conducted an investigation regarding the allegations and as they reviewed the evidence they then initiate disciplinary proceedings against the RN’s license. With the right legal assistance, the outcome could have been different.
Don’t Face the Board Alone
Accusations can profoundly affect your professional life, putting your livelihood and reputation at risk.
During these challenging times, having the support and guidance of a qualified Texas nurse attorney is essential. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is available for private consultations. He is an experienced nurse attorney who represented more than 600 nurse cases for RNs and LVNs for the past 18 years. Reach out to him at (832) 428-5679 to discuss your case and safeguard your nursing license.