Ensuring the supervision and coordination of care for patients is an integral aspect of nursing practice, holding paramount importance for patient safety and well-being. Nurses bear the responsibility of overseeing the care provided by staff under their professional purview. However, there are unfortunate instances when deviations from these essential responsibilities occur, leading to significant concerns about patient care and professional conduct. When nurses face allegations or legal concerns related to the supervision and coordination of patient care, a nurse attorney can provide invaluable support. By offering guidance and support, nurse attorneys contribute to accountability within the healthcare profession while safeguarding the nurse’s rights and professional reputation.
At the time of the initial incident, RN was employed as the Center Nurse Executive at a rehabilitation facility in Garland, Texas, and had been in that position for twelve (12) months.
On or about June 21, 2021, while employed as the Center Nurse Executive at a rehabilitation facility in Garland, Texas, RN was accused of the following:
- RN failed to adequately supervise the care provided by staff for whom she is professionally responsible. Subsequently, a patient was left unattended in a parked transport van for approximately two (2) hours. RN’s conduct unnecessarily exposed the patient to a risk of harm from heat exposure.
- RN failed to ensure the timely notification of the medical provider and the patient’s family when the patient experienced a temperature of 100.5, oxygen saturation of 55%, and vomiting after being left unattended in the parked transport van for approximately two (2) hours. Instead, more than two (2) hours elapsed before the patient’s family and medical provider were informed. RN’s conduct exposed the patient to risk of harm from continued fever, decreased oxygenation, and vomiting, and deprived the provider of the opportunity to intervene.
In response, RN states when she was notified the patient was not in her room, she took reasonable steps through the driver of the transport van. In addition, RN states she does not supervise any nonclinical staff including the driver of the transport van. RN ordered that the patient be immediately taken to her room. Then, she contacted her staff and ordered that they notify the physician and family of what had occurred and the patient’s current state. No action was taken by the family, and the physician gave no order to transport the patient to the hospital. As a result, and in conjunction with the patient’s stable condition the patient was not transported to the hospital.
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)(M),(1)(S),(1)(U))&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(D),(1)(F),(2)&(4).
The Texas Board of Nursing then subjected the RN’s license to disciplinary action. The accusation would have been defended by an experienced and skilled nurse attorney, had the RN hired one. Hiring a nurse attorney for defense is applicable for any kind of accusation laid against an RN or LVN.
Always remember that anyone can file a complaint against an RN/LVN with the state board for any reason. When this happens, all complaints need to be taken seriously no matter how trivial or unfounded they may appear. A nurse attorney is someone who can help you defend your license when the state board summons you. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN 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.