A nurse-patient relationship is strictly all about a patient’s well-being and the care is given. Any intimate or romantic relationship is forbidden as this can affect a nurse’s duty to what he/she is intended to do for the well-being of a patient. Having such a relationship, it may cause a nurse’s license to get suspended or get revoked. This is why the need to hire a nurse attorney for any case is very important.
An incident happened n or about November 2017 through June 2018, an LVN, while employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at a hospital in College Station, Texas, LVN violated the boundaries of the nurse/client relationship with a patient, in that the LVN allowed the patient to do maintenance work at her home. Further, the LVN admitted to her Clinical Director and the Chief Executive Officer that she was in a relationship with the patient and refused to end the relationship.
The LVN’s conduct violated the professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship and 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, the LVN’s conduct may have caused delayed distress for the patient, which may not be recognized or felt by the patient until harmful consequences occur.
In response, the LVN states she and the patient were friends prior to the patient becoming a patient at the hospital where she was working. The LVN also states that during 4 treatment sessions in November 2017 or December 2017, she asked the patient if he still did maintenance work. The LVN states the topic came up in conversation because she was experiencing problems with her water heater. The LVN states that the patient said he didn’t mind inspecting her water heater. The LVN states she deeply regrets accepting the patient’s assistance. The LVN states any violation of the nurse-client relationship is limited to this incident. She also states when she met with her Clinical Director and the Chief Executive Officer she believed they were asking her to discontinue all of her friendships with individuals. And also states that she thought the request was broad and answered in the negative. The LVN states the statements have been mischaracterized.
Additionally, the LVN states she does not have any previous history with the Board. The LVN submitted several letters of recommendation from supervisors and colleagues demonstrating exemplary nursing performance during the course of her career. And the LVN then states that there are not findings that call into question the LVN’s current ability to discharge her duties as a nurse.
As a result of the LVN’s unprofessional conduct, the Board has to take disciplinary actions against her on the basis of the evidence presented. This could have been in a different situation if the LVN had hired a nurse attorney who can help her with the case.
Having a nurse attorney around during the trials and hearings of your case can change the outcome of the case you are dealing with. So, if ever you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Nurse Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.