An experienced nurse attorney has surely helped a lot of RNs and LVNs when it comes to cases that may lead toward disciplinary action. Unfortunately, not all nurses were able to hire a nurse attorney as they underwent such cases. This incident that an LVN committed on October 9, 2018, was one of those examples.
An RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Bryan, Texas, and had been in that position for one (1) year and one (1) month.
It was on or about February 5, 2018, the RN administered Propofol via intravenous (IV) push to a patient without a physician’s order. Subsequently, the patient became hypotensive, dropping to 70/44mmHg, requiring physician intervention and administration of a fluid bolus to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure. Additionally, the RN failed to document the administration of the Propofol push in the patient’s medical record. Respondent’s conduct resulted in an incomplete medical record, exceeded her scope of practice, and was likely to injure the patient in that administering Propofol without a physician’s order and increased medical supervision could result in respiratory arrest and possible demise.
As a response to the incident, the RN acknowledges that she made a medication error in administering a Propofol push to the patient without a physician’s order, but that the patient’s primary nurse had told her there was an order. The RN also acknowledges that this was a bad judgment call on her part, and she has learned to never take another’s word that a physician ordered something without firsthand knowledge. Additionally, during the process of intubation, the patient was agitated and the respiratory technician was worried about losing the patient’s airway. The RN, believing a physician’s order existed for the Propofol push, obtained a syringe and removed Propofol from the patient’s IV pump, and administered the medication to the patient. Respondent adds that the patient still remained stable.
Because of the incident, the Texas Board of Nursing summoned the RN to investigate what really happened. However, without valid evidence and an expert nurse attorney to defend her, the RN was suspended and disciplined.
This is just one of the many causes why every nurse in Texas is expected to act with prudence in practicing the profession. Any form of gross negligence, disobedience, or any form of offense on the part of an RN or LVN is never excused.
Any criminal, negligence, or administrative case can be defended, as long as there is a skilled nurse attorney ready to assist you during the hearing before the Board of Nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction regarding cases that may affect an RN or LVN’s license from suspension, disciplinary action, or revocation.
The RN lost the case simply because she failed to find an effective and efficient nurse attorney. Avoid committing the same mistake she did. Find the right nurse attorney in Texas to help you with your needs. Contact nurse attorney Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.