The realm of healthcare is characterized by its relentless focus on patient well-being and the meticulous monitoring of their condition, especially during critical transitions of care. Nurses, as the frontline caregivers, bear the responsibility of conducting thorough assessments and meticulously documenting their findings. This process is vital not only for the continuity of care but also for the early detection of any changes in a patient’s condition. When any aspect of this crucial process is neglected, it can have far-reaching consequences for the patient’s health and the healthcare institution. In scenarios where the completeness of assessments and documentation is questioned, a nurse attorney’s expertise is invaluable. A nurse attorney works diligently to maintain the integrity of the nursing profession, uphold the rights of the nurse, and ensure that patient safety remains paramount.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN at a hospital in Irving, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years.
On or about July 26, 2021, while employed as an LVN at a hospital in Irving, Texas, LVN failed to assess and/or document her assessment of a patient, upon the patient being transferred from the Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, she failed to document any care provided to the patient during her shift. LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient from unknown and/or undetected changes in condition and may have contributed to the patient’s delay in proper care.
In response, LVN states the patient was transferred out of ICU to room 209 with admitting diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia. Around the same time another patient was transferred out of ICU, a female patient, and admitted to room 210. Since both beds were assigned at the same time, the nurse assistant had gone to the monitor bank to retrieve the cardiac monitors for both 209 and 210, then placed them in each room in preparation for the patients to arrive. The patient was assessed by me, upon arrival to the room while the nurse assistant applied a cardiac monitor and obtained vital signs. After completing my assessment on the patient, I went to the nurse’s station and began reading through the chart. I noticed the rhythm on the monitor was bradycardic. I went to check on the patient, he denied any loss of consciousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or any other abnormal feelings/signs or symptoms. Since I was not the person who initially applied the cardiac monitor, I assessed and repositioned the leads. I continued to notice a few more bradycardic spells on the monitor and the patient continued to deny all signs and symptoms. It was later discovered that the patients in 209 and 210 were wearing each other’s cardiac monitors. I can honestly say I truly believe that I did document this patient, especially about the events that occurred during my shift.
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)(D),(1)(M),(1)(P)&(2)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(4).
However, without enough evidence to prove she’s not guilty, the LVN lost the case. This is the reason why the Texas Board of Nursing placed her LVN license under disciplinary action.
Do not be stressed or anxious if you find yourself in a similar situation as that of the LVN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right RN/LVN license attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN/LVN license attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.