When a nurse is tending to the needs of a patient, it is just right to document every detail needed for the patient’s treatment. A patient’s medical record is where the physicians based their procedures and medication during treatment for every patient. But if an RN or an LVN neglects, forgot, or even documents incomplete and inaccurate medical records, they could face disciplinary actions from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) or much worse than that. That is why a nurse attorney is very important and is needed in fighting or dealing with any accusation or allegation cases filed against an RN or an LVN.
At the time of the initial incident, an LVN was employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at a hospital in Mesquite, Texas, and had been in that position for three (3) months.
An incident happened on or about October 13, 2018, while employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, the LVN administered, in error, Tylenol #3 to the patient instead of Tramadol as ordered; furthermore, the LVN inaccurately documented in the patient’s medical record the patient had received the Tramadol. The LVN’s conduct created an inaccurate medical record and was likely to injure the patient from adverse reactions to medication administered without the benefit of a physician’s expertise.
On or about October 22, 2018, while employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, the LVN failed to document in the medical record the administration of twenty (20) units of insulin to the patient as per physician orders. The LVN’s conduct created an incomplete medical record and was likely to injure the patient from subsequent care decisions made without the benefit of accurate and reliable information.
On or about November 5, 2018, the LVN failed to appropriately assess the edematous left hand of the patient and inaccurately notified the physician the patient had swelling in the right arm; subsequently, the physician ordered diagnostic studies of the wrong appendage. The LVN’s conduct exposed the patient to possible risk of harm from the delay of diagnosis and treatment.
In response to the incident, the LVN states she was in a hurry and did not recheck the medication prior to administration. And that the LVN also states that she failed to initial the Medication Administration Record. The LVN also states she was not prepared for the changes and extra tasking placed on nurses in the long-term care setting when she returned after an absence.
As a matter of fact, the above incidents were just one of those common cases that RNs and LVNs are facing. Most of these cases may result in discipline, suspension, or revocation of license. But as for the LVN involved in the incident above, she was put into disciplinary proceedings by the Texas Board of Nursing.
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. The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction regarding cases that may affect an RN or LVN’s license from suspension, disciplinary action, or revocation.
The LVN lost the case simply because she failed to find an effective and efficient nurse attorney. Avoid committing the same mistake she did. 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.