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Any errors at work are a stressful issue for an RN or LVN, except when a nurse attorney assists you against the case. The Texas Board of Nurses is responsible for all hearings against RNs and LVNs undergoing a case that may revoke, suspend, or only discipline their license. Take note that a nurse attorney can also defend a nurse’s license against accusations, which may include minor errors at work.

At the time of the initial incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Conroe, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and six (6) months.

The incident happened on or about March 29, 2017, the RN failed to administer the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to a patient, as ordered by the physician. The RN did not follow up to ensure the IVIG was almost completed as reported by the off-going nurse, so thirty (30) minutes into the RN’s shift, the IV pump began to beep, indicating the infusion was nearing completion. The RN assumed the IVIG was completed and flushed the line not realizing the IV pump was incorrect, and IVIG was not completely infused. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to ensure completion of IVIG ordered by the physician could have resulted in the non-efficacious treatment of the patient’s recurrent fever.

And on or about April 5, 2017, the RN failed to document that the daily sage wipe/Hibiclens bath was performed for the patient, as ordered by the physician. The ADL/Hygiene Flowsheet requiring documentation that personal care was provided to the patient when ordered by the physician, was left blank, noting the CHG bath was not given to the patient. The patient required Hibiclens baths daily due to the patient’s chest port being positive for MRSA. The RN’s conduct resulted in an incomplete medical record.

Then on or about May 9, 2017, the RN failed to administer Sinemet to the patient, as ordered by the physician. It was discovered on the following shift that the Sinemet that was to have been administered at 0400, was not given to the patient, and noted as “Rescheduled” in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) by the RN. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failure to administer medications as ordered by the physician could have resulted in the non-efficacious treatment of the patient’s condition.

In response to the incident, the RN admits he was unaware the IV pump was incorrect when it was beeping, indicating the IVIG infusion was complete. The RN then added that he did not know why the medication was not administered but admitted he did not administer the dose at 0400, as scheduled.

The Texas Board of Nursing has jurisdiction over all cases that may affect the license and career of an RN or LVN. Therefore, based on the findings of the Board, the RN received disciplinary action to ensure further safety and accurate documentation as she works in the future. She should hire a nurse attorney for instances such as this.

For more details and to schedule a confidential consultation, you must approach one of the most experienced nurse attorneys in Texas, Nurse Attorney Yong J. An. He has assisted numerous nursing license cases since 2006. You may contact him by dialing (832) 428-567 if you wish to learn more information should you undergo accusations or any other case that may affect your license.