In the pursuit of providing compassionate and competent care to patients, RNs bear the responsibility of adhering to strict guidelines and obtaining proper authorization for medical interventions. However, there are instances when an RN’s actions deviate from the expected standards, potentially putting patient well-being at risk and raising concerns about professional conduct. During times of professional crisis and legal scrutiny arising from such incidents, RNs can benefit greatly from the support and counsel of a nurse attorney to protect their rights and ensure a fair and just resolution while upholding the integrity of their nursing profession.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Frisco, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and one (1) month.
On or about February 18, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Frisco, Texas, RN ordered Thorazine for a patient without prior authorization from the patient’s treating physician and/or RN failed to document her collaboration with the physician. RN’s conduct created an incomplete medical record and could have caused the patient to suffer from adverse reactions, though the patient did not suffer any adverse reactions.
On or about March 6, 2020, while employed as an RN at a hospice care provider in Frisco, Texas, RN inappropriately instructed the hospice aides to spray the patient with cold water to determine the status of patient’s change in condition. RN’s conduct may have exposed the patient to a risk of mental and emotional harm and could have contributed to the patient’s end-of-life anxiety and pain.
In response, RN states that there is a physician’s order for Thorazine in the patient’s chart; however, RN admits she did not document her communication with the physician prior to ordering it. RN explains that the patient was a constant challenge and had been demanding a shower all morning. RN states that she was told by facility staff that when the patient was placed in his shower chair, his eyes rolled back in his head, he went limp, and got very quiet. RN states she immediately assessed the patient because he had been hypotensive before; however, RN states that upon her assessment, his eyes were tightly closed and he was sitting up with perfect posture, rather than slumped over RN admits she could have performed a sternal rub, but it would have been painful, and the patient had a history of being aggressive towards staff. RN states she wrote a note and instructed the hospice aide to spray the patient with cold water to see if he was faking his symptoms. RN states that once the cold water was turned on, the patient immediately responded, saying that the water was cold.
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),(1)(P)&(3) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C),(4)&(6)(C).
The evidence against the RN was strong. At the same time, she was not able to properly defend her case in court. As a result, her nursing license was placed under disciplinary action.
Avoid the similar thing from happening on your end. Make sure to find the right defense attorney in case a complaint will be filed against you before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). For more details or for a confidential consultation regarding accusations, it’s best to contact an experienced Texas nurse attorney. 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. You can call him at (832) 428-5679 to get started or to inquire for more information regarding nursing license case defenses.