In the field of nursing, the precise and timely administration of medications is a fundamental responsibility, safeguarding patients’ well-being and ensuring effective treatment. However, there are regrettable instances when deviations from these crucial standards occur, raising concerns about patient safety and professional integrity. In such challenging circumstances, nurses facing allegations of this nature can benefit significantly from the guidance and support of a nurse attorney. A nurse attorney can advocate for the nurse’s rights, ensuring that they receive fair treatment throughout the investigation and legal proceedings.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Carrollton, Texas, and had been in that position for four (4) years and eight (8) months.
On or about April 5, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Carrollton, Texas, RN failed to administer Cefazolin 1gm to a patient, as ordered by the physician. Additionally, RN falsely documented in the medication administration record (MAR) that RN administered the Cefazolin to the patient at 0454. Further, RN provided false information to the dayshift nurse during the change of shift report when she stated that she administered the Cefazolin to the patient. The dayshift nurse subsequently discovered an unlabeled syringe on the infusion pump in the patient’s room. RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that failing to administer medications as ordered by the physician could result in non-efficacious treatment. Additionally, RN’s conduct was deceptive and created an inaccurate medical record.
In response, RN states she was happy at the hospital until she was transferred to a new unit. RN states her transition was overwhelming and she felt like she didn’t fit in. RN states she verbalized her feelings several times to her manager and asked to go back to her old unit, but her manager stated they needed her, and she just needed to get to know her coworkers. RN states the mistakes she made were unintentional, due to a heavy workload, no help because everybody was busy, and no PCA. Regarding the Cefazolin, RN states it was scanned to give to the patient, but she got a call on her hospital cell phone from the OR tech stating they were at her other patient’s bedside, waiting for her to take the patient to the OR. RN states she left the Cefazolin by the computer and meant to come back and give it, but she forgot about it.
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) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C),(4),(6)(A)&(6)(H).
However, without enough evidence to prove she’s not guilty, the RN lost the case. This is the reason why the Texas Board of Nursing placed her RN license under disciplinary action.
Do not be stressed or anxious if you find yourself in a similar situation as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right RN/LVN license attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN/LVN license attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.