The Texas Board of Nursing has jurisdiction over all RN or LVN license cases. Therefore, the assistance of an experienced nurse attorney is the best help you can ever get. Their expertise in the field of nursing can defend an LVN against the possible sanctions given to them.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Carrollton, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) month.
On or about September 13, 2016, through September 18, 2016, while employed as an LVN at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Carrollton, Texas, LVN failed to document the urine characteristics, urine output, and tolerance of a patient in the medical record after performing intermittent catheterizations of the patient on two (2) shifts. In addition, on another shift, LVN failed to document the urine characteristics, urine output as well as the size and patency of the patient’s indwelling catheter in the medical record. LVN’s conduct created an incomplete medical record.
On or about October 14, 2016, while employed as an LVN at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Carrollton, Texas, LVN inappropriately inflated the balloon of a Foley catheter without confirming urine flow while changing the catheter of the aforementioned patient. In addition, LVN failed to notify the physician of her inability to obtain a urine specimen for urinalysis. The patient had no urine flow or output during the four (4) hours remaining in LVN’s shift. Eight (8) hours after the catheter change, the patient was sent to a local acute care emergency department, where it was determined that the patient had sustained urethral injury due to traumatic catheter insertion and had developed anemia due to the associated blood loss. LVN’s conduct may have contributed to the patient suffering urethral injury and related anemia.
In response, LVN states she forgot to document the urinary catheterization procedure prior to leaving that day, but she entered her note when she returned to work. LVN further states she visualized urine draining before she inflated the balloon.
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)(C),(1)(D),(1)(M)&(2)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12(1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
However, she was not able to provide a good defense attorney for herself. Therefore, the Board of Nursing placed her LVN license for disciplinary action instead.
Any RN or LVN should never commit errors, negligence, or misconduct in work as it may affect their performance, which may lead to further issues to the patients they are taking care of. Additionally, if you ever undergo cases such as this, it’s best to seek the assistance of a good nurse attorney as it could make the case better in your favor. Be sure to find a nurse attorney who’s experienced and knowledgeable in several nurse cases to ensure the best assistance possible.
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 has represented more than 200 nurse BON license cases for RNs and LVNs for the past 16 years.