Accuracy is important in documenting patient’s medical records. It is very essential in record keeping, thus it helps to ensure that a patient is getting the right care. An RN should practice the importance of accuracy in record keeping, by doing so, can make you avoid future trouble regarding inaccurate or improper documentation. But once accused of inaccurate documentation, you need to seek help from a nurse attorney. Facing the Board alone will never be easy.
An RN in Austin happened to be accused and be in the same scenario. At the time of the incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Austin, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and ten (10) months.
On or about January 5, 2019, while employed as an Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse and assigned to a free-standing emergency treatment center, the RN failed to accurately and completely document in the medical record regarding the patient including the aforementioned patient’s arrival, the time and manner of departure, or the reason for departure prior to being seen by a provider. The RN’s conduct created an inaccurate medical record and exposed the patient to risk of harm from lack of appropriate nursing and medical care.
In response to the incident, the RN states that it was a busy night and also states the facility was short-staffed. The RN was the only nurse on the shift. She had many demands on her time in the treatment area. The patient was in the waiting area. The RN further states there were two (2) high acuity patients assigned to the ER and three (3) other patients in the treatment area.
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing takes disciplinary action against the RN. Although the RN was under the circumstances of having heavy workloads and being understaffed. This doesn’t stop the Board from its decision in putting the RN into discipline. This RN’s case could result in a different outcome if only the RN had hired a nurse attorney for defense and assistance against the accusation laid against the RN.
But if you have the same situation as the RN and you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process, feel free to 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.