December 2024 Live Q&A Recap: Highlights and Key Takeaways for Subscribers
This month, I had the pleasure of hosting my annual live Q&A session exclusively for our valued subscribers. This open forum was an opportunity to address critical questions, share insights, and dive deeper into some of the most pressing concerns facing nurses today. Below, I’ve outlined some of the key topics we discussed during the session and provided the full recording for you to watch anytime!
2024 Live Q&A
Crossing Over Into Legal Nursing
One of the most popular questions was about my journey into legal nursing and how nurses can make the transition. I shared how my career evolved, starting with administrative investigations and then crossing into civil cases as an expert nurse in medical malpractice.
During my first civil case review, I was transparent about my inexperience in that area, but the consulting attorney trusted my education, training, and knowledge. That experience led me to dive deeper into administrative law and the differences between civil and professional licensure cases. The process opened my eyes to the complexities and opportunities in legal nursing, inspiring me to educate nurses about these paths.
The Role of Nurse Leaders in Accountability
We also discussed nurse leadership accountability, a hot topic for many of you. Leaders hold a unique responsibility to ensure that all nurses within their organization are adhering to the standard of care. This includes identifying deviations, implementing corrective education, and creating process improvement plans.
In this context, I highlighted:
The importance of respectful and professional communication when addressing issues.
The value of training sessions focused on policies like documentation and social media use.
How leaders can foster collaboration rather than conflict to protect both their staff and their patients.
Social Media Use on the Clock
Another important discussion was around the risks associated with using social media platforms like TikTok while on the clock. If you’re creating content during breaks, I suggested:
Always clock out before filming to avoid conflicts with your employer.
Remove any identifiers like badges or uniforms to protect yourself and your organization.
Review your employer’s social media policy to ensure compliance.
Remember, your actions on social media reflect not only on you but also on your professional standing and employer.
Can Nurses With Felony DUIs Practice Again?
We dove into a challenging topic—nurses facing disciplinary actions for felony DUIs. While it is possible to return to practice, the process is complex and varies by state. Here are some key considerations:
Many states enforce a mandatory suspension period (e.g., five years in some cases).
Restitution and proof of fitness to practice are often required.
The National Practitioner Database (NPDB) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) codes associated with such violations can significantly impact your ability to secure malpractice insurance and employment.
This discussion highlighted the importance of seeking legal representation, understanding your state’s specific regulations, and mounting a defense early if you face charges.
The Necessity of Professional Liability Insurance
One of my recurring themes in this Q&A was the absolute necessity of professional liability insurance. As I reminded attendees, complaints can be filed against nurses at any time, often with no statute of limitations. Each state has different rules about what information is confidential and how complaints are handled.
Key advice included:
Know the regulations governing your license in your state.
Carry insurance to protect yourself, especially given the variability in complaint processes.
Stay proactive by educating yourself on potential risks and how to mitigate them.
What Subscribers Should Remember
To wrap up the session, I emphasized a few universal truths for nurses:
You are your first line of defense. Educate yourself, know your rights, and seek resources to protect your license.
Collaboration is key. Whether you’re a bedside nurse or a leader, working together ensures everyone’s accountability and safety.
There is always a path forward. Challenges like complaints or even criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, restitution and recovery are possible.
The recorded Q&A session offers a wealth of information on these topics and more. Whether you’re looking to expand your career, protect your license, or navigate complex challenges, this discussion is for you.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this live session! Your questions and engagement made this a truly enriching experience. Let’s continue advocating, educating, and empowering nurses together.
Looking For More Resources?
Remember my fellow nurses and healthcare providers that Advocates For Nurses is your one-stop shop for empowering your nursing journey:
Online Charting Courses: Join this comprehensive charting course to stay on top of current best practices in documentation, designed to help you avoid common charting pitfalls. Gain insights into accurate and effective charting techniques and earn a CE credit to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.
"Guide To The Courtroom For Nurses" E-book: Equip yourself with the confidence to navigate legal proceedings with this essential e-book. Designed with nurses in mind, this guide covers crucial steps for understanding the legal process, so you’re prepared for any situation. A must-have for every nurse looking to build their legal awareness and protect their practice.
Schedule a Meeting With Maggie: Get personalized support tailored to your unique situation with a one-on-one consultation. Gain clarity, actionable advice, and industry expertise to help you achieve your goals and strengthen you or your company's impact in healthcare.
Podcast: Stay informed and empowered with the Advocates For Nurses podcast, where we break down essential topics for today’s nurses, from navigating board inquiries to safeguarding your license. Tune in for practical advice, real-life stories, and expert insights to keep your practice safe and informed. A must-listen for any nurse looking to stay prepared and knowledgeable.
Introduction to Legal Nursing Course: Thinking about transitioning to legal nursing? This affordable, comprehensive course teaches you the fundamentals, helping you apply your education, training, and knowledge in a legal setting. Whether you’re interested in working independently, subcontracting, or joining a law firm, this course provides the insights and essential skills you need to get started confidently without overspending.
Free Resources for Nurses and Legal Nurse Consultants
Tools for Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs): Access resources tailored to help LNCs enhance their work, including practical guides and insights into case evaluation, report writing, and expert testimony.
Tips for Charting and Documentation: Learn best practices in charting and documentation to protect your practice. These tips help you document with accuracy, minimize risks, and reflect your expertise.
Understanding Nursing Board Investigations: Empower yourself with a foundational understanding of the nursing board investigation process. This guide covers what to expect and how to prepare, helping you stay informed and proactive.
These resources are designed to support you in every aspect of your practice—whether you’re seeking crisis intervention tools or ongoing guidance to protect your career and mental health.
