[SL@Metro]

Has anyone given a deposition for a pending lawsuit?My case involves poor fetal outcome after terminal fetal bradycardia.The primary physcian is named,I was the RN taking care of the Pt.My deposition is scheduled for Feb.any advise?

[MercyAngels]

I personally have never been involved in a deposition, but I work with a nurse who has, and she felt her best resource was the risk manager at the hospital(she's also a nurse). Hope that helps; good luck!!!

[Hollywood/rn]

I have unfortunately, given a few depositions,and one of the most important things to do is not to let the plaintiffs attorney make you look stupid. You would not have gotten this far if you were. If you do not FULLY understand what he/she is asking of you, or if you don't like the way that it was asked, then you say, I am not sure that I understand what you are asking for, could you please restate the question. If they continue to make you uncomfortable, then you ask for a break with the facilities' attorney( who should be with you at all times)and ask him/her for guidance. Did you document that you let the physician know about the FHR? Did you document the reply from the physician? If you did, don't let the attorney make you look like the bad guy, and GOOD LUCK!

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Hollywood/rn

[ratchit]

Good luck. I haven't been deposed but a risk manager once told me never go into one without your OWN attorney. The hospital's risk manager and attorney represent them, not you. I'd want someone there whose job was to protect me and only me.

If you carry your own malpractice insurance you should be covered for this. And don't sign anything!

[puzzler]

Hi SL

Yes I have been deposed more than once. Be sure to review the chart thoroughly, until you are comfortable with it. There should be a copy of it available to you while they are asking their questions. If you did a good job of documentation you should have no problem. Never venture an opinion if you can avoid it. Never try to guess what an entry says if you can not really read it.Be sure to know and understand the physiology behind the occurrences on the fhr tracing, not just the words we use to describe it.

Good luck and do not let them intimidate you.

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Sheryl
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