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If an RN is terminated for an unjust reason, they will need a nurse attorney to help them get back to their work. One of the examples where a client failed to hire the right nurse attorney will be discussed in this case. During the initial time of the incident, the RN was employed in a hospital in Houston and had been in that position for three years. 

On or about July 17, 2018, the RN allegedly failed to scan the identification wristband of a patient and the medication vial of Imitrex and administered Imitrex 6 mg via intravenous (IV) route when the order was for the subcutaneous route. Additionally, she failed to timely document the Imitrex administration in the patient’s Medication Administration Record (MAR). Subsequently, the patient experienced severe chest pain, elevated troponin levels, and bradycardia attributed to severe coronary vasospasm likely from the IV Imitrex. 

The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient by failing to follow safe medication administration processes and failing to administer medications as ordered. Additionally, her conduct resulted in an incomplete medical record and was likely to injure the patient in that subsequent caregivers would not have reliable information on which to base their care decisions. 

During the hearing, the RN states that the ED physician informed her of additional medication orders that the patient took at home including a subcutaneous medication. She relates that she scanned the patient’s wristband and the Imitrex, and told the patient she would draw ordered blood first and then administer her medication. She explains that she flushed her IV line after collecting blood, prepared the Imitrex, and administered it through the IV line. The RN further adds that she then instinctively badged out of the computer not realizing she did not sign or complete the medication in the MAR. The RN states that after the patient was transported to the floor, she got a call from the floor nurse asking if the patient had complained of chest pain; she said no but that she had administered Imitrex. 

The RN explains that she got another call asking her to take care of the Imitrex MAR entry, the nurse continued to question whether Imitrex was given, and she said that maybe she didn’t complete the administration screen. She states she then realized she may have administered it incorrectly. The RN relates she became concerned and notified the ED physician who said that the floor nurses had already contacted her about the patient who had experienced chest pain and elevated blood pressure, but said that the patient was now stable and doing okay. 

Because of the incident, the RN was disciplined warning to a suspension of her RN license by violating the Texas Board of Nursing regulation.

To avoid the same thing from happening to you, it is best to consult with Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An today if you have any questions about your disciplinary process by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 day, night or weekends.