I am so scared please help

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

I had written about the facility i work for in an earlier thread. I have found another position elsewhere however the family of one of our former residents is suing the facility i am about to leave. I was told by the don that my documentation of care that i gave was excellent and that the facility was covered because i was the only one documenting that care was given. I wanted to know if the family could come after me in court and any tips for testifying should it come down to that. What typically happens in a lawsuit? This Womansfamily was very demanding and abusive to the staff the resident and myself. All of which i documented. Any advice will help

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

i wouldn't worry about it until it happens.. you covered your bum well and you will be fine.. i believe in the old saying " don't look for trouble" ....

be proud you did well in your charting .. give yourself a big hug for me ... and don't worry about it....

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Jess, don't worry about what hasn't yet happened.

For the future, pick up malpractice.

http://www.nso.com

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

I was supenoed and called to give a deposition, and then go to court for 2 days to testify. I was a PCT (pt care tech) at the time, but everyone on the shift, directly or indirectly involved with care of the pt had to testify. I was caring for the pt the shift of which an incident occurred and the pt sued. It was very nerve wracking, especially since the shift in question was years earlier and very vague in memory. The lawyers that the hospital hired to represent us were great. We each had to get on the stand, swear on the bible etc, no jury tho, just a judge. The hospital (and the nurses) were found not liable which was great. I wouldn't worry in your case. Sounds like you have nothing to worry about, you may be called to testify, can sometimes take years to get to court.

I wouldn't worry about something that may not even happen. Many times the facility will first try to settle out of court. I would be curious as to what he is suing for, may help shed light on the situation...

[linda2097]

Jess, don't talk to anyone about the case. If you do, you will be required to admit it to the plaintiff's lawyer, including what you write on this message board. The only person you should talk about the case to is your lawyer if you are named in the lawsuit.

[Straydandelion]

I agree, the best advise is not to talk about it.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Jess depositions are a pain,.but very rarely do these things ever actually go in front of a jury. The process is very slow and repetitive. The best thing you can do now is move on to your new job and do your best. Forget about this and never speak about it to anyone,.especially not a public forum as this. Good luck on your new job!

[Dianacabana]

Jess, don't worry about what hasn't yet happened.

For the future, pick up malpractice.

www.nso.com

I agree wholeheartedly! You can't worry about what hasn't happened--and may never happen--now. You don't want that worry hanging over your head like a cloud.

The NSO program is great. I am a student and I have my own separate insurance that covers me me me and not my school or facility. For less than a new pair of scrubs =)

Good luck and enjoy your new job!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree that discussing the details here may not be such a great idea. That said, in the years I've been a nurse, lots of pts and/or families have said they are going to sue. Few do. Even fewer go to court.

[SA Girl]

Don't worry; you did what you were suppose to. If you have to testify just tell the truth and everything will be alright. Good luck

[shodobe]

Just remember the old saying, "If you didn't document it, it didn't happen"! As long as you document well you are OK, any judge or jury could see the well documented care of a patient. If something happened and you didn't put it in the chart it would be your word against the other person. Unfortunatly in today's lawsuit frenzy, jurys are always sympathetic towards the client. Remember to CYA because no one else will!