The use of Alcohol by a 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, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patient in potential danger. If you are accused of such conduct, it is best to hire a nurse attorney to help you with the case.
At the time of the incident, an RN was employed as a Staff Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Lewisville, Texas, and had been in this position for eleven (11) years.
And on or about October 15, 2013, the RN documented falsified vital signs of a patient. The RN admitted to the false entries. The RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record which was likely to deceive subsequent caregivers who relied on the information while providing care to the patient.
On or about October 15, 2013, the RN failed to appropriately administer Dopamine to a patient, as ordered by the physician. The order required that Dopamine be titrated to maintain a systolic blood pressure between 100 and 135 mmHg. The RN titrated the Dopamine without checking the patient’s blood pressure. The RN’s conduct exposed the patient unnecessarily to a risk of harm from medical complications including tachycardia, hypertension, or the development of new dysrhythmias.
In October 2013, the RN engaged in the intemperate use of Alcohol in that the RN admitted that she had a substance abuse problem. The Respondent’s conduct as described was reportable under the provisions of Sections 301.401-301.419, of the Texas Occupations Code. The Board finds that there exist serious risks to public health and safety as a result of impaired nursing care due to intemperate use of controlled substances or chemical dependency.
As a result, the RN is subjected to disciplinary action by the Texas BON. The decision was based on the evidence received by the Board which led to the RN’s case. . If the RN will not comply, his/her license will be put at risk. To prevent things such as suspension or revocation, it is a must to have a nurse attorney for support or for defense.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Nurse Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.