RN’s Improper Use of Warming Pack Resulted in Patient Burns

RN’s Improper Use of Warming Pack Resulted in Patient Burns

When it comes to taking care of patients, healthcare professionals need to use medical equipment properly to help them get better and feel more comfortable. Nurses can sometimes face legal problems when they are accused of not taking good care of their patients. This is where a nursing lawyer can help. They know a lot about the law and can help nurses with their cases. A nursing lawyer will look at all the details of the case, make sure everything is fair, and come up with a good plan to help the nurses.

On or about April 9, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in College Station, Texas, RN, while caring for a post-operative neurosurgical patient, improperly utilized patient care equipment, specifically a warming pack, causing significant burns to the patient's back. The RN provided the warming pack to the patient, which had been improperly prepared. And failed to assess the patient for two (2) to three (3) hours, resulting in a significant burn. The RN's conduct exposed the patient to a risk of harm from ineffective treatment and deprived the patient of timely medical intervention, ultimately causing a delay in the patient's recovery and treatment of the burns.

Texas Board of Nursing Jurisdiction

The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction over RN and LVN cases, so the RN was summoned to explain her side. In response to the cases filed against her, the RN stated that the patient requested a hot pack to alleviate shoulder discomfort. RN stated she provided the patient with the hot pack and provided instructions. Additionally, the RN stated upon making the end-of-shift report she stopped by to check on the patient who now had a burning sensation in the left shoulder area. Upon assessment, the RN stated she observed redness and a small, raised blister area. Hence, she provided wound care, teaching, and documentation.

Unfortunately, she didn't hire a nurse attorney to assist her, even though she had valid reasons to defend herself. Consequently, the Texas Board of Nursing took disciplinary action against her RN license. If she had sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse lawyer, her defense would have been much stronger and more effective.

Are you facing a complaint from the Board?

Don't take any chances - seek legal advice first. Nursing Lawyer Yong J. An is here to help. With 18 years of experience, he has successfully represented over 600 nurses before the Texas BON. He is a seasoned attorney who specializes in nurse licensing cases and is ready to provide you with immediate assistance. Give him a call today at (832)-428-5679 for a free consultation. 

Call Texas Nursing Lawyers today and get the help you deserve!