I'm scared to death!

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Specializes in L&D, PP, Nursery.

I just found out that our hospital is being sued (maternal/child unit). I am one of 8 nurses scheduled to meet with the hospital attorney next week. I don't recognize her name and have no idea what the suit is about. This is a first for me. I did not sleep a wink last night worried sick over this. Any advice????????

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Specializes in MSP, Informatics.

This hasn't happend to me (knock wood!) But has happend twice in our hospital. now....remember that the hosptial attorney is there to help save the hospital. not help out any individual nures. If you are in a union, contact your union lawer.

If your name was pulled because you were one of the names on the chart, and it is no wrongdoing... or not anything you are individually involved in... then meet with the lawyer. If the talk turns to blame, say, I do not recall the patient, or the inciedent, and wish to review the chart to refresh my memory. Don't talk, just listen.

the chart most likely is sealed, and copied. so you would not be able to examine the original of many doccuments. But you should be able to see photocopies of anything before answering any questions.

you may not even be on the chart. they may be asking you questins about normal procedures.

also ask to see the nature of the suit or charge.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

this is a fact-finding mission. Just be honest and straightforward. If you have I would put them on alert, but it may all come to nothing.

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Make sure if you are in a union, you have your rights covered.

I agree with the last two posts!

Hang in there!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You definitely need ((((((((HUGS))))))))))). I know this is really scary, but the sad truth is - since your clinical practice is the an area with the highest number of lawsuits, it was bound to happen sooner or later. It seems like there is just no such thing as an "act of God" anymore. Whenever the outcome is not perfect, it always triggers lawsuits.

I have actually been deposed 3 times as a clinical nurse educator! Lawyers go after anything that (they think) will play up to a jury, and clinical competence is one of those areas. That's why we have to keep such good records and do that annual competency junk.

Previous posters are correct. All you can do is respond honestly to any questions that are asked. If you don't remember, just say "I don't remember". If you were involved in the case, they will provide you with copies of any charting you did. Hang in there. Don't let it get you down.

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I agree with above also yet...no matter how true, think it is sad to be this way.

remember that the hosptial attorney is there to help save the hospital. not help out any individual nures
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Specializes in L&D, PP, Nursery.

Well, I reviewed the chart yesterday and come to find that the pt is a 300 lb woman that arrived at the ER 8 days after discharge with dihiscence, infection, and necrosis of the c/s incision. I discharged her but my charting and the doc's charting both indicate the the pt was afebrile, and the wound was healing with staples intact and edges approximated. Apparently she had contacted the doc on at least one occasion after discharge and was give abx at home. I feel a little better knowing it was something that occurred after discharge.

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Hopefully, you have your own liabilty insurance. Notify your carrier immediately so they can assign a lawyer to advise you. That, after all, is why we carry . Hopefully, this will go no further for you than discovery but it is best to be prepared.

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