Every practicing RN in the state of Texas is required to follow certain rules and regulations imposed by the government. These laws and statutes were implemented to ensure that the safety of the patients is protected by the state. The nursing profession is not an easy journey. An RN who commits any violation can place her RN License in jeopardy if not properly defended by a Nurse lawyer. The Texas Board of Nursing has the authority to revoke or suspend an RN license in the country for as long as there is a justifiable reason.
On or about August 25, 2016, while employed in a Care Center in New Braunfels, Texas, the RN left her nursing assignment before the end of her shift, failing to wait for the oncoming nurse to arrive to provide a report on her patients. Her conduct exposed patients unnecessarily to the risk of harm in that leaving the nursing assignment could have resulted in patients not getting the care needed.
As a defense to her case, the RN states she had a family emergency, and left the facility around 3 :50am. She also states she went through the chain of command and informed staff she was leaving.
Unfortunately, the Texas BON was found guilty of her deeds. She was disciplined and her RN license was suspended.
The other case was about an RN who got engaged in unprofessional conduct in that she offered a co-worker a substance in a clear white bag. Subsequently, she admitted to the Police Department and Director of Nursing that she did offer “cocaine” to a co-worker.
The RN defends her case and states that the morning of November 6, 2016, she was removing objects from her pockets when the bag was exposed. She also states her co-worker asked what’s that and she replied what do you think.
The RN explains her co-worker said cocaine and she said I guess. The nurse states she placed it in her hand and said you want it. She states her co-worker had the bag in her hand and stated she doesn’t do that anymore. She states she told her then give it back and she will dispose of it. The RN states about 30-45 minutes later she was confronted by the facility Director of Nursing along with two officers and was asked if she offered the bag to someone and she told them yes.
Her conduct could have affected her ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in conditions, and could have affected her ability to make rational, accurate and appropriate assessments, judgements and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing patients in potential danger.
In addition, her conduct demonstrated a lack of knowledge, skill and judgment to such an extent that she continued practice of nursing reasonably poses a risk of harm to patients and the facility.
As a result, her RN license was disciplined and suspended by the Texas Board of Nursing. Her failure to fully defend her case led to this decision by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Houston RN Defense Lawyer Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.