A Nurse can face a lot of accusations, allegation cases, or complaints cases and they will face the Texas Board of Nursing to formally follow procedures. But if a nurse is experiencing such circumstances, a nurse attorney can be their defense and can assist them in dealing with the cases they are facing.
At the time of the initial incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in College Station, Texas, and had been in that position for seven (7) months.
It was on or about July I, 2018, and September 29, 2018, when the RN submitted nursing notes for visits that were conducted at different times than those times documented as having been worked. The RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and was likely to defraud and deceive the facility of money paid to the RN for hours not actually worked. In addition, The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation for further care.
Then on or about March 26, 2018, the RN lacked the fitness to practice professional nursing in that she admitted herself to a Treatment Center for Opioid dependency. The RN’s condition could affect her ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in patient’s conditions, and could affect her ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions, regarding patient care, thereby placing patients in potential danger. Additionally, on or about March 26, 2018, through October 2, 2018, while participating in treatment while being a Registered Nurse, the RN engaged in the intemperate use of Opioids, Cocaine, and Amphetamines in that she produced multiple specimens for random drug screening that resulted positive for Opioids, Cocaine, and Amphetamines. Additionally, on or about October 1, 2018, the RN falsified a drug screen by producing urine from a bottle. The use of Opioids and Amphetamines by a Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in patient’s conditions, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing patients in potential danger.
Another incident took place on or about January 1, 2019, through January 14, 2019, while utilizing a Privilege to Practice (PTP) nursing from the State of Texas and employed as a Registered Nurse, the RN withdrew medications from the medication dispensing system for patients, in excess frequency and/or dosage of the physician’s order. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients in that the administrations of Hydromorphone in excess frequency and/or dosage of the physician’s order could result in the patients suffering from adverse reactions. Additionally, the RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Regarding the incidents, the RN denies submitting documentation for hours other than those worked. She states she never left the patient’s home without being signed out by someone that is a caretaker of the patient. The RN states the days she showed up late, she charted correctly on her end. And also states she was in a bad car accident and got a prescription for Hydrocodone due to injuries. She realized after taking the medication, she started going through withdrawals. She researched facilities and noticed the Treatment Center is a place she could go to get off the medication and do it without the pain and discomfort of the withdrawals. The RN also states that she did not abuse the drug; she just wanted a more comfortable way to get off the medication. The RN states she submitted a copy of her prescription to the facility, but towards the end of her time there, they gave her a certain amount of time before her treatment would end because she was still taking the Hydrocodone resulting in positive drug screens. The RN states she only takes the medication at night due to not getting comfortable after being on her feet all day.
After the incident, Formal Charges were filed on January 29, 2019. As a result of the Board’s investigation, the evidence received is sufficient cause pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(9), (10),(12)&(13), Texas Occupations Code, to take disciplinary action against the RN as decided and imposed by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Avoid a similar thing from happening on your end. Make sure to find the right nurse attorney in case a complaint will be filed against you before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Consult with Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An today if you have any questions about your disciplinary process by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 day, night or weekends.