Help! I'm a Nurse and I'm Being Deposed
Did you just get THAT call from legal?
Your heart's racing. Your stomach dropped. You're thinking: "What did I do? What happens now? Do I need a lawyer? Can I lose my license?"
Take a breath. You're not alone. And you have rights.
Most nurses are NEVER taught what it means to be involved in a deposition, medical malpractice case, or civil litigation — let alone when a civil case can turn criminal. But that call from legal? It just made this REAL.
This short but detailed ebook (Kindle or downloadable PDF) walks you through exactly what happens next so you can prepare with confidence instead of panic. I wrote this because when legal calls, you need answers FAST — and you deserve to understand the process, know your rights, and protect yourself.
This is NOT legal advice — you should ALWAYS obtain legal counsel. But this IS the essential education you need to advocate for yourself and work effectively with your attorney.
What Happens After THAT Call:
📞 Legal calls and says you're named in a case
📄 You receive a letter or subpoena
😰 You panic because you have NO idea what this means
❓ You wonder: Do I need my own lawyer? What do I say? What do I review?
This ebook answers ALL of that. What You'll Learn:
Your Rights as a Nurse (That Nobody Told You About)
✅ If you are named, ask about independent counsel — the organization's lawyer may have a conflict of interest with YOUR best interests
✅ You can request time to prepare and know the who, what, when, and where before any interview
✅ Review your own notes, relevant policies, and a timeline — but NEVER edit records
Who's in the Room (And What They Want From You)
- Plaintiff attorney — Suing you/the organization; wants to prove negligence
- Defense attorney — Representing the organization/insurer (NOT necessarily YOU)
- Risk management/insurer — Protecting the organization's liability and bottom line
- Court reporter — Recording EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. you say (depositions)
Understanding who's sitting across from you changes EVERYTHING.
DO / DON'T: High-Stakes Rules That Protect You
DO:
✅ Bring facts, dates, policies
✅ Dress professional and neutral
✅ Listen. Pause. Answer briefly and truthfully.
✅ Say "I don't recall" when accurate — NEVER guess or speculate
DON'T:
❌ Volunteer extra information beyond the question asked
❌ Edit charts or discuss the case with coworkers
❌ Post ANYTHING on social media (even vague references)
What to Review Before Your Deposition (Legal-Safe Prep)
📋 Your documentation for the episode of care
📋 Facility policies/procedures that were in effect at the time (not current versions)
📋 A chronology — sequence of events with objective timestamps
📋 NEVER edit or alter any records — audit trails will expose changes
What This Ebook Covers:
✔️ What a deposition actually IS and what to expect step-by-step
✔️ The difference between civil and criminal cases (and when one becomes the other)
✔️ How to prepare WITHOUT compromising your case
✔️ What your rights are and how to protect yourself
✔️ Why your documentation and timeline matter MORE than your memory
✔️ When to ask for independent counsel vs. relying on the organization's attorney
✔️ Common deposition traps and how to avoid them
✔️ What happens during and after a deposition
Why You Need This NOW:
That call from legal just changed everything. You're scared. You're confused. You're wondering if you did something wrong — or if someone's trying to make you the scapegoat.
Here's what I know after a decade as a legal nurse consultant and former Board of Nursing investigator: Most nurses walk into depositions completely unprepared. They don't know their rights. They don't understand the process. They say too much or guess at answers. And it costs them.
This ebook gives you the foundation of knowledge so you can:
- Understand what's happening and why
- Know what questions to ask your attorney
- Prepare effectively without making critical mistakes
- Walk into that room with confidence instead of fear
You are NEVER alone in this. This ebook is your starting point — your guide through one of the most stressful moments of your nursing career.
Important Disclaimer:
This ebook is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding any legal matters. The information provided is designed to help you understand the process and prepare you to work effectively with your legal counsel.
Download Now — Don't Wait Until You're Sitting Across From Attorneys
Whether you just got THAT call or want to be prepared in case it happens, this ebook is essential reading. Don't walk into a deposition blind. Don't guess at your rights. Don't let fear control your response.
Get educated. Get prepared. Get protected.
Knowledge is power. And you deserve both.
WWMD? She'd download this ebook immediately, read it cover to cover, take notes, and keep it saved for reference. Because being prepared is how you protect yourself when legal calls.
MMNS? That call from legal is terrifying. This ebook gives you the knowledge to handle it with confidence instead of panic. Simple.
Ready to go deeper?
📚 Take my CE course: Charting to Protect Your Professional License ($30 General | $35 Surgical)
📅 Need personalized help? Book a 1:1 consultation at advocatesfornurses.com/book
📱 Connect with me: TikTok @advocates4nurses | LinkedIn: Maggie Ortiz MSN RN | info@advocatesfornurses.com
Remember: The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. 💪