The responsibility of an RN in a medical facility is essential in ensuring the safe administration of medications and monitoring patients’ vital signs. However, in some unfortunate instances, errors can occur, leading to potential harm to patients and legal repercussions for the healthcare professional involved. In such critical situations, a nurse attorney can provide vital legal assistance to the RN, offering expertise in navigating the complexities of the legal system and protecting the nurse’s rights throughout the proceedings.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a medical facility in Mesquite, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and two (2) months.
On or about September 25, 2021, while employed as an RN at a medical facility in Mesquite, Texas, RN administered Cardizem, a cardiac medication, and guaifenesin to a patient in excess of physician orders. The orders were to administer Cardizem and guaifenesin every 12 hours. The last dose administered was at 1532, and the RN administered the medications 5 hours after the last dose at 2015. Additionally, RN failed to assess the patient’s vital signs prior to administering the medications. The patient’s heart rate at 2030 was 88. The next set of recorded vitals were on September 26, 2021, at 0500 and the patient’s heart rate was 47. RN’s conduct exposed the patient to a risk of harm from unnecessary administration of extra doses of cardiac medication without a physician’s order.
In response, RN states that the patient’s morning medications, including Cardizem, were given by the day-shift nurse later in the day than usual, after the patient returned from a procedure. RN states that after scanning the medication, the family verbalized the patient had already taken Cardizem, then requested RN to leave the room so the patient could rest. RN later attempted to correct the record but had difficulty with the computer program. RN states the patient’s vitals remained stable throughout her shift and she was not alerted by the automated system of any abnormal vitals.
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)(C),(1)(D),(1)(M),(1)(P)&(3)(A).
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Nursing found her guilty of her deeds. Her RN license was subjected to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas BON attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Make sure that you will not make the same mistake as the RN mentioned above in her case before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation and evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 16 years and represented over 300 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact Mr. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.