Every practicing RN in the state of Texas is required to follow certain rules and regulations imposed by the government. These laws and statutes were implemented to ensure that the safety of the patients is protected by the state. The nursing profession is not an easy journey. A nurse who commits any violation can place her nursing license in jeopardy if not properly defended by a Texas nurse attorney. The Texas Board of Nursing has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse license in the country for as long as there is a justifiable reason.
At the time of the initial incident, an LVN was employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at a hospital in Wichita Falls, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years.
On or about October 29, 2018, and October 30, 2018, while employed as a Licensed Vocational, the LVN failed to administer Soma to the patient as ordered by a physician and instead administered one (1) 500mg Tylenol and one (1) 325mg Tylenol. Additionally, the patient did not have an order for Tylenol 325mg. The LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient, in that the administration of medications without a valid physician’s order could result in the patient suffering from adverse reactions. Additionally, the LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to administer medication as ordered by a physician could have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
On or about October 30, 2018, the LVN misappropriated medications belonging to the facility and patients thereof or failed to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation. The LVN’s conduct was likely to defraud the facility and patients thereof of the cost of the medications.
On or about October 30, 2018, the LVN engaged in the intemperate use of Codeine and Opiates in that she produced a specimen for a for-cause drug screen that resulted positive for Codeine and Opiates. Unlawful possession of Codeine and Opiates is prohibited by Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health & Safety Code. The use of Codeine and Opiates by a Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in a patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing a patient in potential danger.
In response to the incidents above, the LVN states she started to attend AA meetings 5 to 6 times a week and would also like to participate in TPAPN.
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Nursing subjected the LVN and her nursing license to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas nurse attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Board.
Make sure that you will not make the same mistake as the RN mentioned above in her case before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation and evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 16 years and represented over 200 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact Mr. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.