In the domain of nursing, precision and adherence to physician orders are of paramount importance, particularly when it comes to medication administration and patient monitoring. However, there are occasions when deviations from these essential standards occur, raising concerns about patient safety and professional conduct. In circumstances where nurses face allegations or legal concerns related to medication errors and patient care omissions, a nurse attorney can offer invaluable assistance. Nurse attorneys assist in formulating a robust defense strategy to mitigate potential professional and legal consequences.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN at a correctional facility in Fort Worth, Texas, and had been in that position for twelve (12) years and seven (7) months.
On or about September 3, 2022, while employed as an LVN at a correctional facility in Fort Worth, Texas, LVN administered the incorrect dose of sliding scale insulin to a patient, whose blood glucose level registered as “HI,” or over 600 mg/dL, and failed to follow the physician orders to check the patient’s urine for ketone and notify the provider for the elevated reading. Approximately two hours later, LVN documented in the patient’s record that his glucose was still “HI,” and no further interventions were performed. LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient by depriving the physician of vital information that would be required to institute timely medical interventions to stabilize the patient’s blood glucose.
In response, LVN states that on the shift in question, she was assigned to perform wound care and administer insulin to patients that needed it. LVN states that she administered insulin to the patient, whose glucose registered as “HI” at 0300 a.m. with the direction of the charge nurse. LVN states that is the common practice as the first measure for a glucose of that reading, and then it is rechecked in two to three hours.
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).
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Nursing found her guilty of her deeds. Her LVN license was subjected to disciplinary action. She did not hire a skilled Texas BON attorney to fully defend her case which led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Make sure that you will not make the same mistake as the LVN mentioned above in her case before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Contact a Texas nurse attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation and evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact Mr. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.