Honoring Veteran Nurses and the RaDonda Vaught Case – Lessons, Advocacy, and Protecting Our Practice
- Advocate Maggie MSN RN
- Nov 22, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
Welcome back to our November edition of the Vlog/Blog! November is a month of gratitude, reflection, and respect. From Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season, it’s a time to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve. This month, I want to pay my respect to some of the nurses in our history so that we not forget we are amazing people and we have shaped and continue to shape modern healthcare. We’ll also celebrate the contributions of military nurses, their innovations, and the legacies they left behind.
Learning from Real Cases
This month, we’re focusing on RaDonda Vaught's case, but it's a reminder not just for her situation but for every nurse working today. In the current, often toxic climate of healthcare, it’s critical that nurses stand together, know the rules and regulations, and understand that knowledge is power.
RaDonda Vaught’s case brings attention to the devastating consequences of an error, but it also shines a spotlight on systemic issues within healthcare. The pressure, lack of support, and miscommunication in her case serve as a cautionary tale for all nurses. However, we must remember that this isn’t just about one nurse—it’s about ensuring every nurse is protected and supported.
Key Learning Points:
Know the Rules & Regulations: In today’s complex healthcare system, it’s essential to fully understand the scope of your practice and adhere to the regulations in your state. This includes everything from patient safety protocols to legal responsibilities.
Avoid Unsafe Assignments: In an environment where staffing is often stretched thin and resources are scarce, nurses are sometimes asked to take on unsafe assignments. It’s crucial to speak up and refuse unsafe tasks that fall outside your scope of practice or put patients at risk.
You Might Stand Alone: In difficult situations, you may feel like you’re standing alone. Know that you’re not. While some might push you to take shortcuts or ignore safety protocols, the only authority that matters is the Board of Nursing. Follow the guidance and regulations set by them, not the pressures of the workplace.
This case reminds us of the need to protect ourselves professionally and emotionally, and to remember that, at the end of the day, the Board of Nursing is the ultimate authority in your career.
Protecting Yourself
In light of the RaDonda Vaught case, and other ongoing issues nurses face, protecting your license and career has never been more important. We need to ensure we're documenting thoroughly, staying within our scope of practice, and advocating for ourselves and our patients. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Document Everything: Documentation isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s your shield. Make sure to record everything accurately, including patient interactions, treatments, and any safety concerns you have.
Liability Insurance: Protect yourself with liability insurance. It’s a small investment for peace of mind, especially in an environment where mistakes can lead to severe consequences.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Understand your legal obligations as a nurse. From patient care to professional conduct, knowing your rights ensures you're not caught in compromising situations. Don’t take unsafe assignments and always stand firm in your professional boundaries.
Honoring Our Veterans
On November 11th, Veterans Day, we honored the brave women and men who served in the military. It’s also a time to celebrate the nurses who stood by their side in the most challenging circumstances. Military nurses have played an integral role in wartime and peacetime, offering critical care, comfort, and innovation under pressure.
Military Nursing Heroes
Clara Barton – “Angel of the Battlefield”
During the Civil War, Clara Barton risked her life bringing supplies and support to soldiers. Her relentless efforts led to the creation of the American Red Cross, which continues to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief worldwide.
Mary Edwards Walker, M.D.
A Civil War surgeon and the first woman awarded the Medal of Honor, Mary Edwards Walker defied societal norms to care for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Her courage and determination paved the way for women in military medicine.
Edith Cavell – World War I Nurse
A British nurse, Edith Cavell is remembered for her bravery during World War I. She not only cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the conflict but also helped over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium. Her dedication to humanity and ethics made her a hero.
Florence Aby Blanchfield – First Woman Commissioned in the Army
Florence Blanchfield was the first woman to be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. She served as the Superintendent of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II, advocating for equal pay and rank for military nurses. Her leadership transformed nursing in the military.
Ellen Church – Founder of the Flight Nurse Corps
Originally a pilot, Ellen Church convinced the military of the importance of trained nurses aboard aircraft to care for wounded soldiers. Her efforts established the Flight Nurse Corps, a critical component of military evacuation and care.
Lenah Higbee – First Female Navy Cross Recipient
Lenah Higbee, a pioneering Navy nurse, was the first woman awarded the Navy Cross for her exceptional service during World War I. As a Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps, she advocated for better training and professional recognition of military nurses.
Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan (Inspired by Real Nurses)
While fictionalized in "MAS*H," the character of Major Houlihan was based on real-life military nurses who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These nurses often worked in dangerous and austere conditions, providing life-saving care.
Col. Ruby Bradley – The Angel in Fatigues
A U.S. Army nurse during World War II and the Korean War, Col. Ruby Bradley was captured as a POW in the Philippines. She cared for fellow prisoners, delivering over 13 babies and performing over 230 surgeries while imprisoned. She is one of the most decorated women in U.S. military history.
Annie Fox – First Female Purple Heart Recipient
Annie Fox was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for her heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Chief Nurse at Hickam Field, she provided care and leadership under fire, exemplifying the courage of military nurses.
Did You Know? Military Nurses Changed the Game!
This Veterans Day Month, we’re not just honoring our veterans—we’re celebrating the amazing military nurses who’ve revolutionized healthcare with their bold inventions! Some of the tools we use every day in hospitals wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for these incredible women. Let’s dive into a few of the coolest nursing innovations that started with military nurses!
💡 1947 | Disposable Baby Bottle Liners Ever wondered why babies don’t choke or get gassy while feeding? It’s thanks to Adda M. Allen, who created a disposable liner that let the air out before babies took a sip. Her idea made feeding smoother and way less exhausting for babies. Talk about a life-saver!
🍽️ 1952 | Self-Feeding Tubes for Veterans Bessie Blount Griffin didn’t stop at just helping veterans with injuries—she invented a tube that let soldiers feed themselves when they couldn’t use their hands! She worked in her kitchen for 10 months, and even though the U.S. Army didn’t want it, Griffin gave it to the French government for free. She helped give veterans the independence they deserved. 💪
🚑 1954 When Elise Sørensen’s sister had surgery and struggled with leaking bags, Sørensen created the first ostomy pouch—a life-changing design that kept everything in place and made patients feel normal again. Today, it’s the standard care for anyone who needs it. 🙌
☀️ 1958 | Neonatal Phototherapy (Sunshine for Babies!) Sister Jean Ward had a simple but genius idea to treat jaundice in newborns—sunshine! She noticed that babies got better when they were in the sunlight, and now phototherapy is the go-to treatment for jaundice. 🌞
👶 1964 | The Snugli Baby Carrier Before the Snugli baby carrier, moms carried babies in plastic seats. Ann Moore, a Peace Corps nurse, wanted something better—so she designed the first baby carrier that kept babies close to their moms. That connection changed how parents bond with their little ones. 💖
🚨 1968 | The Crash Cart Emergency rooms were chaotic until Anita Dorr came up with the crash cart, a rolling cart that kept life-saving tools organized and within reach during an emergency. Now, code blue teams can act fast and save lives! ⏱️
🩹 1983 | The Wong-Baker Pain Scale Ever tried to explain pain to a kid? It’s tough! That’s why Donna Wong and Connie Baker invented the Wong-Baker Faces® Pain Rating Scale. It lets kids show their pain by pointing to a face, so nurses can know exactly how they’re feeling. 👧😢
🍼 1990 | Bili Bonnet Premature babies need phototherapy for jaundice, but the light hurts their eyes. Sharon Rogue created the Bili Bonnet, a mask that kept their eyes safe while still letting them get the treatment they needed. 👶💡
⚡ 2003 | Color-Coded IV Lines Ever been in an emergency and needed to find the right IV line fast? Nurse Teri Barton-Salinas created ColorSafe IV lines to make it easier for medical staff to spot the right line in a rush. Less confusion, fewer errors! 🚑
♻️ 2013 | GoGown Ginny Porowski’s GoGown helped reduce infections in hospitals. It’s a self-sealing gown that lets healthcare workers dispose of their gloves and gowns safely and quickly—making hospitals cleaner and safer. 🏥
Why We Should Celebrate Military Nurses: These nurses didn’t just follow orders—they created the future of healthcare. Military nurses have changed everything from emergency care to everyday tools, and we owe them a huge thank you for their service and innovation. So this Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to honor these trailblazing women who’ve shaped the world of healthcare. 🙏
Thanksgiving: Gratitude for Nurses
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for nurses who provide care year-round. This holiday season is also a time to reflect on the unique challenges nurses face, especially those working through the holidays to care for others.
We honor the nurses who:
Serve in military hospitals, often far from home.
Balance demanding shifts while bringing hope and comfort to their patients.
Innovate and lead, making healthcare better for everyone.
Conclusion
November has been a time for reflection, particularly on the importance of standing strong and advocating for yourself. The lessons from the RaDonda Vaught case serve as a stark reminder that in today’s often difficult and toxic work environment, nurses must not only be aware of the laws and regulations but actively protect their practice and their careers.
By staying informed, documenting thoroughly, and standing together with fellow nurses, we can all ensure that we continue to provide safe, quality care while also safeguarding our licenses and careers.
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.
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