An LVN’s role in a healthcare setting is to provide diligent and safe care to patients, which includes meticulous attention to medication administration. Unfortunately, there are occasions when an LVN’s actions may inadvertently lead to errors in patient care, potentially endangering their well-being and raising concerns about professional conduct. During such distressing times and facing potential legal consequences, LVNs can greatly benefit from the expertise and support of a nurse attorney. A nurse attorney can provide guidance and representation to the LVN, ensuring their interests are protected and assisting them in facing any potential disciplinary actions or investigations.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN at a veteran’s hospital in Killeen, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and three (3) months.
On or about October 6, 2020, while employed as an LVN at a veteran’s hospital in Killeen, Texas, LVN failed to review the prior shift’s documentation, resulting in the LVN incorrectly administering Tylenol to the veteran in excess of 3,000 mg in a twenty-four-hour period, as ordered for the veteran. LVN’s conduct could have injured the patient from adverse effects due to possible overdose of medication.
In response to the above incident, LVN states she was told in report that the patient had received only two doses of Tylenol and according to the Unit Manager whether the total amount of Tylenol was exceeded depended on when the 24-hour time frame began and ended, and he was unsure as to when that was supposed to be according to policy. In addition, the manager told her she was very close to the end of the time frame and if she had waited a few minutes, she would not be within the 24-hour limit and there would be no problem.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C),(1)(D),(1)(M)&(2)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(4).
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her LVN license under disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she 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. He is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 16 years and represented over 300 nurses before the Texas BON. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.