Will I get in trouble with the State Board of Nursing

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Hi everyone. I am an LPN school nurse in the state of Florida. I started this position in July and it is my first position in the field of school health. Recently I made what I now see as a poor lapse in judgement involving applying triple antibiotic ointment on a child's lips (1st grader, autistic) whose lips were SEVERELY chapped and cracking. I figured since TAO is petroleum based and I didn't see any warning on the container against using it on the lips that it would be okay. Well the kid I put it on's parents are both RN's and called the school absolutely livid saying that if ingested tAO could cause all these adverse effects (which I did not consider that the amount was enough to be toxic or cause adverse effects) I was incompetent and that they would report me to the BON. I have already spoken to the director of my school and we decided to rid the use of TAO completely (at least until next year when I can get parent consent for it) and I admitted that I did not use the TAO for its indicated purpose (where I went wrong).

My question: Can this affect my license/can I get in trouble with the BON?

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If the RN's follow through on their threat, you could find yourself answering to the Board. The school Director is your immediate and only supervisor? You do not work through a third party employer? If so, then you have made your supervisor aware and now you take whatever corrective action is necessary and document that you took that corrective action. Then, you will have that documentation to present to the Board should you hear from them. And make certain that you do not forget to inform your malpractice carrier.

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The director is my only supervisor. Not sure what corrective action to take aside from discontinuing the use of TAO. Nothing happened with the student. I do not have though I was considering purchasing it but didn't due to finances. Will definitely purchase now go any future problems.

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I am wondering if I should document this as a medication error

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I would. It is a medication error. If your Director does not call for it, just keep the record for yourself. Ask her for advice on how to approach this. Tell her your concern that you may have to answer to the Board. I would not trust the two RN's to cool off and leave you alone.

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Should you encounter a full blown dance with the nursing Board, you will regret having to pay for legal representation yourself rather than using that benefit from your insurance.

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The problem is that my director plays an administrative role. I have no one above me to provide any clinical guidance. One of the reasons why I was considering leaving this job. I can't believe how big this is. I guess I will have to figure it out.

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Does anyone else have any advice?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Does anyone else have any advice?

Do you have standing physician orders for the use of TAO? Though OTC, it is a medication.

We cannot offer legal advice. is about $100/year. You can consult a nurse-attorney for advice in your situation TAANA Executive Office - Home (the american Association of Nurse Attorneys) offers a free lawyer referral service. It's not likely because of the nature of the service provided that a free consultation may be offered but they may negotiate a reduced rate for the consultation.

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I would not try to obtain an order for the PRN use of Triple Antibiotic ointment because all that is going to do is to anger the parents who are already not pleased with your decision-making. Did you report this incident to the child's physician? All medication errors and incidents are to be reported to the physician. Sure, it is not earth-shattering, but those parents can make it as earth-shattering as possible when they try to get your hide for the error.

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Thanks. Will call a lawyer about a consultation in the morning.

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I did not call the child's physician. I have the administrative guidelines for school health in my office. I school double check the procedure for medication errors in the morning as well.

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