RN’s Rough Repositioning of Patient Led to GJ Tube Dislodgement

RN's Rough Repositioning of Patient Led to GJ Tube Dislodgement

The professional conduct of nurses holds great importance, particularly in pediatric care settings where the well-being of vulnerable patients is at stake. Understanding the gravity of the incident below and the potential legal and professional ramifications is paramount. In navigating such a challenging situation, a nurse attorney can serve as an important ally for the RN involved.

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sm by smartsites March 20, 2024

At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN with a pediatric care service provider in Lewisville, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year.

On or about May 10, 2021, while employed as an RN with a pediatric care service provider in Lewisville, Texas, the RN was observed on video repositioning the pediatric patient in a rough manner, which resulted in the patient's gastrojejunal feeding tube ("GJ tube") being pulled out of his abdomen. Additionally, the RN failed to accurately document the timing of medication administration and the GJ tube incident in the patient's medical record. Subsequently, the patient was taken via EMS to the hospital where the GJ tube was reinserted. RN's conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and unnecessarily exposed the patient to pain and injury.

Without help from an expert nurse defense attorney, the RN responded and stated that it was extremely dark in the patient's room at night. RN stated that when she turned the patient, she heard a pop. When she thought she was pulling the oxygen tubing out of the way, the RN stated that she quickly realized it was the GJ tubing by the time she heard the second popping sound. Lastly, she stated that she was aware that she should have verified which tube she was pulling, though her intent was not malicious or intentional.

A case was ultimately filed against her before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The said allegation was fatal to the RN’s capability to perform the essential functions and duties of nurses. 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.

If you also received a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding a case or complaint filed against you, you should hire a nurse attorney immediately before it’s too late. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is one of those dedicated nurse attorneys who is willing to defend and represent you before the Texas BON. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or to schedule a private legal consultation.