Many nurses are getting suspended or getting their license revoked due to the mistakes they did at work or due to the failure of hiring a nurse attorney for help during their cases. We should always take into consideration the fact that you can never win a case without the help of a skilled nurse attorney. An RN in College Station, Texas is one of the examples of failing to hire the help of legal counsel.
At the time of the initial incident, an RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in College Station, in Texas, and had been in that position for seven (7) months.
The incident took place on or about August 4, 2018, and August 5, 2018, the RN withdrew two (2) of Tramadol HCL 50mg tablets and two (2) vials of Hydromorphone 0.5mg/ml from the medication dispensing system for patients without a valid physician’s order. The RN’s conduct was likely to injure the patients, in that the administration of the medications without a valid physician’s order could result in the patients suffering from adverse reactions, and the RN’s conduct has placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Then on or about August 4, 2018, August 5, 2018, and August 7, 2018, the RN withdrew two (2) of Tramadol HCL 50mg tablets, two (2) vials of Morphine Sulfate 4mg/ml, two (2) vials of Hydromorphone 0.5mg/ml and one (1) tab of Norco 10/325mg from the medication dispensing system for patients, but failed to document, and/or completely and accurately document, the administration of the medications in the patients’ Medication Administration Records and/or nurses’ notes. The RN’s conduct could have injured the patients in that subsequent caregivers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patients, which could result in an overdose. Additionally, the RN’s conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Another incident was on or about August 4, 2018, August 5, 2018, and August 7, 2018, the RN withdrew two (2) of Tramadol HCL 50mg tablets, two (2) vials of Morphine Sulfate 4mg/ml, two (2) vials of
Hydromorphone 0.5mg/ml and one (1) tab of Norco 10/325mg from the medication dispensing system for patients, but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedures for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. The RN’s conduct left medications unaccounted for, could have deceived the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
In response, the RN states her family was embroiled in crisis at the time as a result of her partner’s sexual abuse of her minor daughter, and she was understandably distraught. The RN states she had tremendous difficulty sleeping due to the situation and began self-medicating after she was unable to receive timely services from her employer’s employee assistance program. Respondent states when she was confronted about medication discrepancies, she admitted to taking Tramadol and Hydrocodone and cooperated fully with the facility’s investigation. The RN is appropriately regretful and remorseful for her one-time lapse in judgment.
As a result to the RN’s unprofessional conduct, the Texas Board of Nursing has subjected the RN into disciplinary action which could lead to the suspension or revocation of the RN’s License. This could be dealt with with the help of a nurse attorney who has great skills and many years of experience in this kind of case.
Do you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process? Contact The Law Office of Nurse Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.