An experienced nurse attorney has surely helped a lot of RNs and LVNs when it comes to cases that may lead to disciplinary action. Unfortunately, not all nurses were able to hire a nurse attorney as they underwent such cases. This incident that an RN committed on September 4, 2000, was one of those examples.
On or about February 5, 2018, through April 4, 2018, the RN withdrew forty-two (42) tablets of Tramadol HCL 50mg, forty-six (46) tablets of Norco 10/325mg, and twenty (20) tablets of Oxycodone-APAP 5/325mg, from the medication dispensing system for patients, but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedures for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. Her conduct left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about April 5, 2018, the RN engaged in the intemperate use of Morphine, in that she submitted a specimen for a for-cause drug screen that resulted positive for Morphine. The use of Morphine by a Registered Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in the patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgements, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing patients in potential danger.
The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction over all cases regarding errors committed by an RN or LVN. Thus, she was called by the Board to defend against the case.
However, the RN was not able to properly present herself to the Board.
The following incident and defense against the case caused the Texas Board of Nursing to place the RN and her license into disciplinary proceedings. She would have sought assistance from a good nurse attorney to provide clarifications towards the case.
If you’ve ever done any errors during your shift as an RN or LVN, and you wish to preserve your career and your license, an experienced nurse attorney is what you need. Nurse Attorney Yong J. An, an experienced nurse lawyer for various licensing cases for 14 years, can assist you by contacting him at (832) 428-5679.