A good nurse-patient relationship has a great impact on the patient’s recovery process. In this kind of relationship, mutual trust, respect, and empathy should be there. Nurses should understand their patient’s needs in order to give good quality care. Good communication is also one of the best approaches in starting a good nurse-patient relationship. But nurses tend to violate the boundaries of a nurse-patient relationship. The consequence of such violation is being disciplined by the Board and be suspended, worst is license revocation. This can be prevented if an RN will be able to hire a nurse attorney all throughout the process of the case.
The same incident happened to an RN on or about February 6, 2019, while employed as an RN at a hospital in McAllen, Texas, the RN violated the boundaries of the nurse/client relationship in that he provided his phone number to the patient and requested the patient send him a picture of herself. The RN’s conduct violated the professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship and was likely to injure the patient in that it could have resulted in confusion between the needs of the nurse and those of the patient. In addition, may have caused delayed distress for the patient, which may not be recognized or felt by the patient until harmful consequences occur.
In response to the incident, the RN states he did a PICC procedure on the patient and made small talk when the patient mentioned she was from New Orleans and that she was once a queen in a Mardi Gras parade there, but had gained weight in the last few years. The RN was surprised by the patient’s drastic weight change in a short period of time, so he asked her if she had a picture of when she was in the parade. The patient said she had one, but not with her. The RN asked the patient if she would send him the picture if he provided her with his phone number, which he did.
As a consequence of the RN’s actions, he was disciplined by the Board. While under this order, the RN shall comply. However, the RN was not able to have a nurse attorney to defend him during the trial of his case.
Having a nurse lawyer to defend you in your case, can yield a different outcome of the case. So, if ever you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for a nurse attorney.