RNs are entrusted with the critical responsibility of providing accurate and thorough patient care in the healthcare field. However, there are instances where lapses in documentation and patient assessment can lead to severe consequences including patient demise. Such incidents underscore the importance of meticulous record-keeping and vigilant patient monitoring. When faced with allegations of professional misconduct, such as inadequate documentation and patient assessment, the expertise of a nurse attorney becomes indispensable. They ensure a comprehensive investigation, protect the RN’s rights, and advocate for a fair resolution.
Unveiling such Incidents of Misconduct
Let us examine a case in which a nurse is being scrutinized for alleged misconduct and unprofessional actions. He was employed as an RN with a pediatric healthcare provider in New Braunfels, Texas, and had been in that position for three (3) years and nine (9) months.
On November 2023, while employed as an RN with a pediatric healthcare provider in New Braunfels, Texas, RN was accused of the following:
- RN failed to completely and accurately document in the medical record of a patient; including, provider communications regarding inability to establish intravenous (IV) access, and nursing interventions in response to interference by patient family members in care. RN’s conduct created an inaccurate medical record.
- RN failed to appropriately assess the patient; including, failure to assess the efficacy of administered Tylenol, Ibuprofen and Ativan. RN also failed to appropriately assess the patient’s temperature. RN failed to notify the provider after the patient’s pending transfer to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) was delayed. The patient continued to decline throughout the shift and subsequently became unresponsive. A Code Blue was initiated; however, the patient could not be resuscitated. RN’s conduct exposed the patient to risk of injury from adverse complications of undetected and untreated changes in cardiovascular status and may have contributed to the patient’s demise.
RN’s Side of the Story
The RN provided a statement as his defense without seeking help from a Texas Nurse Attorney. He mentioned that the attempts to establish IV access by numerous team members were unsuccessful and that the provider was aware. The RN could not obtain a blood pressure reading after the patient was placed on continuous monitoring in the Emergency Room, and reassessment of temperature did not occur. Additionally, he did not reassess the efficacy of Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Ativan, although it was his intent to do so. RN further stated that the PICU declined to admit the patient to the unit until an ordered Computerized Tomography (CT) exam was completed.
Unfortunately, despite his explanations and the difficult circumstances he encountered, the Texas Board of Nursing chose to impose disciplinary action on his RN license. This underscores the harsh reality that the stakes are high in such situations.
The Role of a Nurse Attorney when dealing with Allegations from the Board
In hindsight, enlisting the help of a nurse attorney could have significantly bolstered the RN’s defense.
Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An, with over 18 years of experience and a proven track record of representing over 600 nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing, could have offered essential legal guidance and advocacy.
For nurses facing complaints from the Board, seeking legal counsel from a reputable nurse attorney is not just wise—it’s critical. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is prepared to assist nurses in urgent need of help with their nurse licensing cases.
Contact him at (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your nursing license and professional reputation.