Alcohol abuse while at work is a serious case, which is why an effective nurse attorney is needed if you get accused of this kind of scenario. However, some who thought they were guilty of the charges failed to hire a nurse attorney just because they thought it’s the doom for their RN or LVN license already.
Take note that the Board handles all the cases that may affect the RN or LVN license from receiving the suspension, disciplinary action, or revocation. However, with the right nurse attorney for the case, rest assured that the case can go according to the nurse’s favor, especially if the nurse has a good defense against the case.
An incident happened to an RN in 2018. At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as a Registered Nurse in a general medical and surgical facility in College Station, Texas, and had been in that position for two (3) years.
On or about August 8, 2018, while employed as an RN in a general medical and surgical facility in College Station, Texas, RN was charged with the following:
- lacked the fitness to practice nursing in that she exhibited signs of impaired behavior while on duty, including slurred speech, unsteady gait, drowsy with sleepy eyes, and emitted an odor of alcohol. RN’s condition could have affected her 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 the patients in potential danger.
- engaged in the intemperate use of alcohol in that she produced a specimen for a reasonable suspicion blood alcohol test which resulted in positive for alcohol. The use of alcohol by an RN, 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 the patients in potential danger.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(9),(10),(12)&(13), Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(M)(1)(T)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(E),(4),(5),(10)(A)&(10)(D).
This is the reason why the Texas Board of Nursing disciplined her and revoked her RN license.
Any RN or LVN should never use any substance in and out of work as it may affect their performance, which may lead to further issues for the patients they are taking care of. Additionally, if you ever undergo cases such as this, it’s best to seek the assistance of a good nurse attorney as it could make the case better in your favor. Be sure to find a nurse attorney who’s experienced and knowledgeable in several nurse cases to ensure the best assistance possible.
If you also received a complaint regarding a case filed on you, you should hire a nurse attorney immediately before it’s too late. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 16 years and represented over 150 nurses before the Texas BON. You may contact him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for more information or if you want to schedule a private consultation.
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