Nurses are also human beings who can be stressed emotionally and be physically drained. But they are still doing their duties and responsibilities as a nurse. A lot of people are expecting nurses to give the best care. But what if a nurse can’t do their job properly and can’t meet the expectations we are looking for from them? There are lots of factors that are affecting nurses from doing their duties properly and those factors include family problems, peer pressure, understaffing, heavy workloads, etc. Now, who can nurses rely on if their license is at risk? A nurse attorney will.
At the time of the incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Pearland, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and ten (10) months.
An incident happened on or about February 10, 2019, when the RN withdrew four (4) injections of Fentanyl 50mcg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to document and/or accurately and completely document the administration of the medication in the patient’s Medication Administration Record (MAR) and/or Nurses’ Notes. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient, in that subsequent caregivers would rely on his documentation to further medicate the patient, which could result in an overdose. Additionally, the RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code. And on the same day, the RN withdrew two (2) injections of Fentanyl 50mcg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. The RN’s action left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481(Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Another incident happened on the same day, the RN misappropriated two (2) injections of Fentanyl S0mcg belonging to the facility or a patient thereof or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation. The RN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients thereof of the cost of the medications.
In addition, the RN lacked the fitness to practice nursing in that he exhibited signs of impaired behavior while on duty, including, but not limited to: having difficulty responding to questions, appearing drowsy, and falling asleep. The RN’s condition could have affected his ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in patient’s conditions, and could have affected her ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patients in potential danger.
In response, the RN states that he takes full responsibility for his actions. Due to the emotional stress of his spouse being diagnosed with aggressive adenocarcinoma, he suffered a relapse. Upon confrontation by his nurse, he immediately admitted to his behavior. The RN states he has been sober since February 14, 2019, and since that time has completed an intensive outpatient treatment program, attends several support group meetings per week, and engages in weekly therapy sessions.
As a result of the above incidents, the RN was put into suspension by the Board. The evidence received was sufficient cause pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(9),(10),(12)&(13), Texas Occupations Code. The RN could not have been put to enforced suspension if only he had a nurse attorney to defend him against the said cases.
hiring a nurse attorney is the best option you could have. If you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process, you may contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.