Some nurses tend to forget the fact that a nurse attorney is what they need when accused of numerous accusations. Because they really felt like they should be responsible even if they never intended to commit such an error.
On or about October 29, 2011, through October 30, 2011, while employed in a hospital in Crockett, Texas, the LVN:
a. Failed to administer the 0600 doses of Flagyl, as ordered by the physician, to a patient; and b. Falsely documented the glucometer check for 0700.
The LVN’s failure to administer medications as ordered may have resulted in non-efficacious treatment. Additionally, her conduct was likely to deceive other caregivers who needed complete information in which to base their care.
On or about October 29, 2011, through October 30, 2011, the LVN failed to administer Mefoxin, as ordered by the physician, to a patient. Her failure to administer medications as ordered may have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
On or about October 29, 2011, through October 30, 2011, she also discontinued Lopressor or a patient without a physicians’ order. Her conduct may have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
On the same dates, the LVN failed to document a critical blood glucose value of 35 when it was called to her by the lab, failed to document notification to the physician, and failed to document the physician’s order and administration of one (1) ampule of Dextrose 50% (D50) to the patient. Her conduct was likely to deceive other caregivers who needed complete information in which to base their care.
In addition, the LVN failed to administer and/or document the administration of Flagyl to a patient. Her conduct may have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
On or about October 2011 through November 2011, while employed in the same medical facility, the LVN misappropriated controlled substances from the facility and from her assigned residents. Her conduct was deceptive and violated Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Controlled Substances Act).
On or about March 2012 through April 2012, the LVN misappropriated controlled substances from the facility and from her assigned residents. Her conduct was deceptive and violated Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Controlled Substances Act).
On or about October 5, 2012, the LVN engaged in intemperate use of drugs and lacked the fitness to safely practice nursing in that she was found unconscious and unable to be aroused by staff members at the facility. Subsequently, the staff called 911 and she was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. Her conduct was likely to injure patients in that she was unable to recognize the sign, symptoms, or changes in the patient’s conditions and was unable to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding the care of her patients.
This issue was filed as a complaint and sent to the Texas Board of Nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction in all cases that may affect the status of an RN or LVN’s license in the future. But they advise nurses to attend a hearing first before placing the sentence, which the LVN attended for her career’s security.
During the hearing, the LVN admits failing to administer the medications, stating they were not available at the time. She denies intent to falsely documenting the glucometer check, stating that she accidentally transcribed another patient’s reading. Regarding the Lopressor, she indicates she misread the physician’s order, which was to decrease the Lopressor and not to discontinue it. Regarding the critical blood sugar level, the LVN denies receiving the call by the lab, stating the charge nurse received the call, telephoned the physician and received orders for the D50, and she assumed the charge nurse would complete appropriate documentation. Regarding the misappropriation, the LVN admits to having a problem with substance abuse, stating that she has self-reported to TPAPN and sought out inpatient treatment at a hospital.
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing placed her license to disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance if she had every reason to defend himself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she actually sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
So if you’re facing a complaint from the Board, it’s best to seek legal advice first. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse licensing cases. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.