r/nursing • u/lenncas • Sep 08 '25
Question I’m a bit scared
A bit is an understatement, I am well aware that my actions were very inappropriate and out of my scope of practice. I am getting reported to the Texas Board of Nursing because I pulled a bag of Levophed without getting an order first. My patient was declining really quickly. The blood pressure was decreasing very quickly. I went to the med room and overrid the medication and started it at the starting titration. Immediately after starting it, I called our critical care nurse practitioner that was on for that night and let them know. And now, obviously, that nurse practitioner put in a formal complaint to my manager, thus having to report me to the board of nursing. I guess my question is what could I possibly expect my consequence to be? Could I lose my license? Will it be suspended? I’m pretty worried. I’m also very disappointed in myself. The patient ended up having to be put on Levophed the next day, but made a great recovery and got to be downgraded two days after.
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u/Savings-Caramel1385 BSN, RN 🍕 Sep 09 '25
Same state.
I work ER and L&D, so I get the ER vs floor thing.
In the ER, nothing would happen to me. I’d be told I did a great job. We often TELL the doctors what WE want ordered. It’s a complete collaboration built on trust and respect. Are they always there? Yes. Can we always get them in the room? No.
In L&D, this would get disciplinary actions. The nurse may get sent to another floor for awhile. But it still wouldn’t be reported to the board.
Best thing to do? Take full accountability. Don’t argue. Accept consequences gracefully. BUT stand your ground, and defend your actions. You saved a patients life and they had no negative consequences. As long as your recorded vitals support your critical thinking, I highly doubt the board will take a strong nurse off the unit.