In the intricate landscape of nursing, the timely recognition and communication of significant changes in a patient’s condition are pivotal aspects of providing quality healthcare. In such instances, where a nurse’s actions during patient care come under scrutiny, the expertise of a nurse attorney becomes invaluable. By engaging a nurse attorney, RNs can navigate potential legal challenges, disciplinary proceedings, or investigations, aiming to protect their professional reputation and advocate for the best interests of their patients.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Pharr, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year.
On or about August 21, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Pharr, Texas, and assigned as the Dialysis Nurse for a patient, RN failed to timely notify the provider when the patient experienced vital signs out of the parameters ordered by the physician. The patient experienced an elevated heart rate of 111-139, increased respirations of 28-30, blood pressure readings as low as 73/53 and 86/42 during dialysis. In addition, the patient’s oxygen saturation decreased to 70%, and undetectable at times, starting at 2104. RN continued hemodialysis and waited to notify the provider until after completion of dialysis at 2130. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient from effects of unstable cardiopulmonary functioning and delayed medical interventions.
In response, RN states that the patient, who was intubated and sedated, had stable vital signs during dialysis until approximately 2100 when the patient suddenly became fully awake, restless, and agitated. RN states the patient’s oxygen saturation was above 90% up until that time. RN states the patient’s restlessness interfered with the pulse oximetry reading but the critical care nurse was in the room titrating medication and addressing the agitation. RN states the patient’s other vital signs remained stable for his condition until suddenly his blood pressure dropped and he became unresponsive at 2130. RN states the intensivist physician was on the unit and being summoned to the bedside, which would occur quicker than paging a nephrologist off the unit. RN states, in her nursing judgement, direct patient care and critical interventions were most appropriate at that time. RN states she immediately stopped hemodialysis, returned the blood/fluid back into the patient’s body to increase blood volume and pressure, and then notified the treating nephrologist.
The above action constitutes 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)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
A case was ultimately filed against her before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The said allegation was fatal to the RN’s capability to perform the essential functions and duties. Sad to say, the nursing defense attorney who handled her case was not able to properly defend her interests and rights before the Board. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) found her guilty of the offense alleged in the complaint and decided to place her RN license under disciplinary action.
If you also received a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding a case or complaint filed against you, you should hire a nurse attorney immediately before it’s too late. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is one of those dedicated nurse attorneys who helped represent more than 500 nurse cases for the past 17 years. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation.