LVNs and RNs can be working in very difficult conditions. Most of them may have to endure long shifts and often work in an environment where they are understaffed and sometimes, overworked. And when they are faced with any legal difficulties due to something unfortunate that happened, most of them may not have been their fault. Unfortunately, not every nurse are able to defend themselves when faced with any legal difficulties simply because they fail to hire effective Fort Worth LVN lawyers.
On or about July 26, 2018, through July 27, 2018, the LVN allegedly lacked fitness to practice nursing in that she exhibited signs of impaired behavior while on duty, including, but not limited to: red eyes, stuttered when she spoke, and was confused. Furthermore, she had a fresh needle stick with blood on her forearm. Additionally, her first urine sample was cold and smelled like the soft drink she carried into the restroom and her second urine sample appeared to be water. The LVN subsequently admitted she used intravenous drugs. Her condition could have affected his ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms or changes in patients’ 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 LVN withdrew three vials of Hydromorphone 2mg and one vial of Fentanyl 100mcg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to administer and document and/or accurately and completely document the administration of the medication in the patients’ Medication Administration Record (MAR) and Nurses’ Notes. Her conduct was likely to injure the patient, in that subsequent care givers would rely on her documentation to further medicate the patient, which could result in an overdose. Additionally, her conduct placed the hospital in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
On or about July 26, 2018, the LVN withdrew Fentanyl 100mcg from the medication dispensing system for a patient and failed to document the pain assessment in the patient’s medical records. Her conduct was likely to injure the patient from clinical care decisions formulated based upon incomplete assessment information.
On or about July 26, 2018, the RN withdrew three vials of Hydromorphone 2mg and one vial of Fentanyl 100mcg from the medication dispensing system for a patient but failed to follow the facility’s policy and procedure for wastage of the unused portions of the medications. Her conduct left medications unaccounted for, was likely to deceive the hospital pharmacy, and placed the pharmacy in violation of Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
In response to the incidents, the LVN states she was psychologically and emotionally drained and gave herself Hydromorphone intravenously. She relates she took two vials of Hydromorphone from the patient and administered them to herself, but denies taking a third vial of Hydromorphone or the Fentanyl. In response to the other incident, the RN states her orientee properly wasted the Morphine 4mg due to patient refusal.
If you have been summoned by the Texas Board of Nursing, you need legal representation in the person of Fort Worth LVN lawyers. Find the right nurse attorney in Fort Worth to help you with your needs. Contact Fort Worth LVN lawyer Yong J. An directly by calling or texting him at (832) 428-5679 for a discreet consultation.