In the surgical world, documentation isn’t just a task — it’s your shield.
Yet every day, nurses are thrown into situations where documentation becomes a liability:
PAT: Did anesthesia sign off? Was the patient screened correctly? Is the ASA score accurate?
Pre-Op: Did you verify scope properly? Were you pulled into “consenting” when nurses don’t consent?
OR: SCIP checkboxes, room turnovers, emergencies — and the charting gets messy.
PACU: Aldrete not met, yet the pressure mounts to downgrade and move patients forward.
Travel & cross-training: Every facility, every system, every shift — different screens, different gaps.

When these gaps happen, it’s not the system or policy that takes the hit. It’s you.
And if your chart is questioned by a Board of Nursing, an auditor, or in court — “I was too busy” won’t protect your license.

I’m Maggie Ortiz, MSN, RN — founder of Advocates for Nurses.
For over 25 years, I’ve worked in critical care and surgical services. As a former Board of Nursing investigator, I’ve reviewed thousands of surgical records.
Here’s the truth:
Nurses don’t usually lose their license because of poor care. They lose it because the documentation didn’t defend them.
That’s why I built this course. To take SCIP measures, BON expectations, and compliance requirements — and translate them into MMNS: Make it Make Nurse Sense.
No legal jargon. No overwhelming checklists. Just the clear, plain-spoken guidance you need to protect your license while delivering safe patient care.

This isn't a theory. It’s exactly what I’ve seen protect — or cost — nurses their licenses.
By the end of this course, you’ll have:
SCIP Made Simple
No more guessing at what auditors want. You’ll know how to chart in a way that meets compliance standards and defends your practice.

*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

The Danger Zone Map
Learn the five charting traps that show up in BON investigations — and how to avoid them before they put your license at risk.

*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Bulletproof Surgical Templates
Walk away with ready-to-use documentation examples for Pre-Op, Intra-Op, and PACU that you can apply on your next shift.

*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Case Studies That Show You the Difference
See real examples of protective vs. liability-creating documentation, side by side — so you’ll never wonder “is this enough?” again.

*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

The PAT-to-Discharge Protection Chain
Discover how to connect each phase of care into one seamless defense system, so every handoff strengthens your chart.

*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

In just one hour, you’ll know how to turn your documentation into clear,
complete, and compliant.
This course isn’t limited to “OR nurses.” It was designed for every professional who touches the
surgical process — because every phase matters.
If you touch the surgical process at any point, this course was built for you.

✔ 1-Hour CE Training Video
A focused, practical training that cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how to chart surgical care that satisfies SCIP, protects your organization, and defends your license. In just one hour, you’ll gain confidence you can carry into your very next shift.
✔ 21-Page “Surgical License Protection” Handout
This isn’t just a companion guide — it’s your go-to reference for surgical documentation. Inside, you’ll find:
SCIP quick-reference checklists for each measure
Timeout and verification documentation prompts
PACU Phase I/II Aldrete system guidance
Specimen/implant documentation tips
“What Would Maggie Do?” crisis scenarios
MMNS explainers that translate legal/regulatory jargon into plain nursing language. Many nurses print and laminate sections of this guide to keep with them during shifts.
✔ Certificate of Completion (1 CE Credit)
Earn continuing education while protecting your career. As soon as you finish the training and complete the short survey, you’ll immediately receive a certificate you can use for your CE requirements.
✔ BON-Priority Mentoring Access
Sometimes you need more than a course — you need to talk it through. As a course participant, you’ll receive priority access to 1:1 mentoring with me at a special reduced rate of just $50. This is your chance to bring your own scenarios, unit challenges, or questions and get personalized guidance from someone who’s been on both sides of BON investigations.


*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
No — it covers the entire surgical process, from PAT to PACU to discharge.
Yes — every SCIP measure is integrated with legal and BON-protection strategies.
Yes — the documentation principles apply across all surgical settings.
Absolutely — it’s the best way to build strong habits before mistakes happen.
Yes — this course aligns with Joint Commission focus areas.
Yes — we offer organization licensing and live training options.
You know what’s at stake. I’ve seen great nurses lose their careers not because of how they cared for their patients — but because of what they didn’t document.
I don’t want that to be you.
In just 60 minutes, you can have the confidence, the tools, and the strategies to
make sure your charting defends you.
For just $35, the choice is clear.
*Information provided by Advocates for Nurses and Maggie Ortiz is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Get practical tips, real-world lessons, and support designed to help you protect your nursing career.
© Advocates For Nurses PLLC. 2025. All Rights Reserved.