Maintaining the professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship is of paramount importance in healthcare, as it serves to protect the well-being and safety of patients while ensuring the integrity and professionalism of the nursing practice. Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of providing care that is respectful, compassionate, and free from any unethical or inappropriate conduct. However, there are regrettable instances when deviations from these critical standards occur, potentially jeopardizing patient safety and raising concerns about the nurse’s professional conduct. In situations where nurses face allegations or legal concerns related to violations of professional boundaries and unprofessional conduct, a nurse attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance. They can advocate for the nurse’s rights throughout the investigation and any ensuing legal proceedings, ensuring the nurse is treated fairly and effectively represented.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an LVN at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Midland, Texas, and had been in that position for eight (8) months.
On or about January 2021 through August 2021, while employed as an LVN at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Midland, Texas, LVN violated professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship in that she had food delivered for a patient, claimed to be his wife on delivery receipts and incoming mail, and tried to FaceTime with the patient after she was terminated. Additionally, the patient attempted to send LVN money. LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient in that it could have resulted in confusion between the needs of the nurse and those of the patient. In addition, LVN’s conduct may have caused delayed distress for the patient, which may not be recognized or felt by the patient until harmful consequences occur.
The above action constitutes 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)(J),(1)(N)&(2) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C),(4),(6)(D),(6)(G),(8),(10)(C),(10)(E) &(11)(B).
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing decided to place her LVN license under disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
So, if you’re facing a complaint from the Board, it’s best to seek legal advice first. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse licensing cases. He is an experienced nurse attorney for various licensing cases for the past 17 years and represented over 500 nurses before the Texas BON. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.
