The work that nurses do is often unappreciated. And sometimes, a bit of negligence could lead to a more serious scenario such as filing a case against them. If this happens to an RN, they should know how to protect and defend themselves. If not properly defended by a nurse attorney, their license could even be suspended or revoked.
At the time of the incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital facility in Texarkana, Texas, and had been in that position for nine (9) months.
On or about September 5, 2018, while employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN failed to assess the urinary status of a patient. Additionally, the RN failed to notify the physician and/or intervene when the patient’s spouse reported it had been six (6) days since his last bowel movement/low urine output, he had low oxygen saturation with shortness of breath and decreased intake of food and fluids. Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the hospital, two days later, with a Urinary Tract Infection (UT I), acute renal failure, and pneumonia. The RN’s conduct exposed the patient to the risk of harm from clinical care decisions based upon incomplete assessment information, Additionally, The RN’s conduct exposed the patient to the risk of harm by depriving the physician of vital information that would be required to institute timely medical interventions to stabilize the patient’s condition.
In response to the incident, the RN explains that on or about September 5, 2018, she performed a routine visit to the patient, and noted that his saturations were low. The RN states that there were adjustments made to 02 levels due to shortness of breath, there were no discussions about a UTI, and there were no signs of change that she felt needed to be reported to a physician. The RN states that the patient’s wife was overwhelmed on this day and required assistance for the directive, emotional support, and disposition on patient care. The RN states that a social worker was scheduled to visit on this day, but it didn’t happen. The RN explains that on September 7, 20 1 8, the patient’s assigned nurse was scheduled to make a visit. The RN states that on September 14, 201 8, she found out from the supervisor with Hospice Plus that the patient was full code on September 7 with respiratory distress, and was taken to the hospital where he died on September 11 due to sepsis. The RN states that she resigned on September 14, as there were situations of abuse from the office staff, age discrimination, and public ridicule.
However, without a strong defense and a good nurse attorney to help her defend her side, the RN was disciplined by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
This is just one of the cases why every nurse in Texas is expected to act with prudence in practicing the profession. Gross negligence, disobedience, or any form of offense on the part of an RN or LVN is never excused.
If someone filed a case against you, you will need a nurse attorney to handle your case. Any type of accusation can be defended, as long as there is a skilled nurse attorney ready to assist you during the hearing before the Board of Nursing. Find the right nurse attorney in Texas to help you with your needs. Contact Nurse Attorney Yong J. An, directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.