Issues regarding inaccurate documentation are never a rare case in nursing. Some nurses were even accused of this misconduct and after were found guilty of doing. As we all know, accurate and complete documentation of any medication or intervention has a big impact on a patient’s well-being throughout the process of healing or recovery. If this is done inaccurately, the RN assigned to the patient will be facing sanctions and be subjected to disciplinary action. This is why RNs should be always ready to fight; a nurse attorney is the best fit for defense.
At the time of the initial incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Irving, Texas, and had been in that position for six (6) years and eleven (11) months.
An incident happened on or about February 19, 2019, through February 20, 2019, while employed at the said medical facility, the RN failed to ensure vital signs were taken for the patient every four hours, in accordance with facility policy. Further, the RN failed to completely/accurately document her assessments of the patient during her 2 am and 4 am rounding while the patient was observed to be sleeping. Subsequently, at approximately 0700, the patient was found unresponsive, pulseless, and with stiff extremities. The patient was unable to be resuscitated and expired. The RN’s conduct could have contributed to the patient’s demise.
In response to the incident, the RN states she performed a complete assessment of the patient in the evening and rounded on the patient regularly through the night. The RN states during her rounding, including her last contact with the patient at 0430, she observed the patient be asleep with unlabored breathing. She also states that she was fulfilling the duties of the charge nurse in addition to direct patient care responsibilities and was unaware at the time the technician had not obtained the overnight vital signs. The RN further states she was unaware of a policy change requiring vital sign monitoring every eight (8) hours. Respondent is still employed at the said facility.
Therefore, as a result of the RN’s misconduct, the evidence received is sufficient enough for the Board to take disciplinary action against the RN. The sanction given to the RN was causing pursuant to Section 301.452(b)(13), Texas Occupations Code.
The RN should have consulted a nurse attorney for help and assistance when dealing with such a kind of case. It is the better way to have your case solve and end it with a positive outcome.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.