The responsibility of an RN in an emergency department (ED) is of paramount importance, as patients’ lives often hang in the balance, demanding diligent and timely care. Unfortunately, there are instances where an RN’s actions fall short of the expected standard, potentially leading to severe consequences for patients in need. In times of legal turmoil arising from such incidents, the guidance and support of a nurse attorney is essential for RNs facing allegations concerning their professional conduct to safeguard their rights and achieve the best possible outcome during these challenging circumstances.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, and had been in that position for two (2) years and ten (10) months.
On or about November 5, 2021, while employed as an RN in the Emergency Department (ED) at a hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, RN was accused of the following:
- RN failed to assess and/or round on a patient, who presented to the ED with a low blood sugar and seizure-like activity, from approximately 0317 to 0625. The patient was placed in one of RN’s assigned rooms by the triage RN. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient from undetected changes in condition.
- RN left her nursing assignment approximately 30 minutes before the end of her scheduled shift without giving a hand-off report to another nurse. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that subsequent care givers would not have complete information to base their future care decisions.
In response to the above incidents, RN claims she was not assigned this patient and never assumed care of the patient. RN further states that since she did not have any patients in her care at the time, there were no patients to hand-off or report on when she left her shift.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D)&(3) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Nursing found her guilty of her deeds. Her RN license was subjected to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas nurse attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney who represented more than 300 nurse cases for RNs and LVNs for the past 16 years.