The role of an RN in the Emergency Department (ED) demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to execute physician orders accurately to ensure patient safety and optimal care. Unfortunately, there are instances where an RN’s actions deviate from the prescribed protocols, potentially leading to serious consequences for patient well-being and professional conduct. During such challenging times, RNs facing allegations related to errors in patient care and documentation can greatly benefit from the expertise of a nurse attorney to defend their license.
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN at a medical facility in Garland, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years.
On or about October 29, 2021, while employed as an RN at a medical facility in Garland, Texas, and assigned to a patient, RN was accused of the following:
- RN failed to clarify the Emergency Department’s physician’s order, which called for neuro checks and blood glucose checks to be completed every four (4) hours, with the day shift physician assigned to the floor. Further, RN completed one (1) neuro check and one (1) blood glucose check but failed to complete additional checks during her shift. At the end of her shift, RN told the oncoming nurse that she forgot about the neuro checks and blood glucose checks. RN’s conduct could have contributed to patient injury and could have resulted in non-efficacious treatment.
- RN failed to document an attempted neuro check and blood glucose check, that occurred at noon, in a timely manner. RN instead documented the neuro check and blood glucose check at the end of her shift, after 1900, and inaccurately documented the checks as having taken place at 1740. RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record.
In response, RN states that because the patient moved from one unit to another and the patient’s diagnosis changed from one point in time to another, that the MD orders that were still in effect during the RN’s shift were not applicable. RN further states that she attempted to perform the ordered checks at one point in time but was refused by the patient. RN states that upon advising the physician, no additional orders were given, nor concern expressed. RN states she takes accountability for her charting, and further states it was not her intention to cover-up something, but to complete documentation for the day.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(13) Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D)&(1)(N).
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 300 nurse cases for the past 16 years. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation.