Nursing assessment skills are one of the nurse’ most valuable assets. This is the main reason why whenever someone filed a complaint against you involving negligence, assault or misdemeanor, your license could be put in danger if not defended by a nurse attorney.
On or about January 9, 2017, a patient was scheduled to undergo surgery for left bipolar hip repair. The RN was the circulating nurse assisting the surgeon with the patient’s surgical procedure. As the circulating nurse, the RN was responsible for interviewing the patient in the holding area, reviewing the consent form and verifying the mark of another nurse for the surgery.
Prior to the beginning of the surgical procedure, the RN and another R.N. co-worker went through the surgical verification process and the patient’s left thigh was marked for surgery. After going through the surgical verification process for a left bipolar hip repair, the RN incorrectly prepped the patient’s right hip for surgery.
The RN only realized that the incorrect hip had been prepared for surgery after reviewing the patient’s x-rays — moments after the initial incision into the patient’s right hip had already been made.
Subsequently, the RN called an immediate stop to the procedure. Upon learning of the above-referenced error, the incision on the patient’s right hip was closed, the patient was repositioned on the operating table, and the left hip replacement surgery was conducted without further incident.
The Texas Board of Nursing is the one who has full jurisdiction on cases involving RNs and LVNs. Therefore, the RN was summoned by the Texas Board of Nursing to explain her side. During the trial, the RN defended and explained her case. However, the RN failed to hire a nurse attorney to help her with her case. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing suspended and disciplined the RN.
Do not fret if you find yourself in a similar situation the same as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right nurse attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579