If an RN is terminated for unjust reasons, they will need a Plano 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.
On or about June 21, 2016, while employed as a Registered Nurse in a medical facility in Plano, the RN allegedly engaged in the intemperate use of Codeine and Morphine in that she submitted a specimen for a reasonable suspicion/cause drug screen that produced a positive result for Codeine and Morphine.
Possession of Codeine and Morphine is prohibited by Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Controlled Substances Act). The use of Codeine and Morphine by a Registered Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in the patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patients in potential danger.
On or about February 25, 2018, the RN lacked the fitness to practice nursing in that she was not able to carry out her assignment in the fast track area of the hospital. She was subsequently moved to another area where it was noted she was gone for long periods of time, was slow, sluggish, confused, and had slurred speech. Her conduct could have affected her ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in patient’s conditions, and could have affected her ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patients in potential danger.
The next day, the RN allegedly engaged in the intemperate use of Codeine and Morphine in that she submitted a specimen for a reasonable suspicion/cause drug screen that produced a positive result for Codeine and Morphine. Possession of Codeine and Morphine is prohibited by Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Controlled Substances Act). The use of Codeine and Morphine by a Registered Nurse, while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in the patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments, judgments, and decisions regarding patient care, thereby placing the patients in potential danger.
During the hearing, the RN states she cannot recall the specifics of June 21, 2016, other than knowing she did not take any of her prescribed medication while on duty. She states on February 25, 2018, she had a migraine and had been taking ibuprofen 800mg every 6 hours without any relief.
On February 24, 2018, the RN states, prior to going to bed, she took a dose of Tylenol #3, for which she had a prescription. She states on February 25, 2018, she drove to work, still with the migraine and nausea, which caused a decrease in appetite. The RN states she took two doses of ibuprofen 800mg but did not take any of her Tylenol #3. She states she would never knowingly take anything that would interfere with her ability to take care of her patients.
Because of the incident, the RN was disciplined for violating the Texas Board of Nursing regulations. The RN also failed to hire an effective Plano nurse attorney to properly defend her side of the story.
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.