Maya Kowalski, daughter of Registered Nurse Beata Kowalski, was 9 years old in 2015 and suffering debilitating pain. She was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”), resulting in symptoms such as stiffness, spasms, and limited mobility. Her mother was able to find a doctor who was able to properly diagnose her, and he prescribed ketamine treatments to block the pain receptors in Maya’s body, allowing her body to revise the sensitization process. In October 2016, Maya had a … [Read more...]
A Nurse’s Last Letter To Her Abuser
On August 7, 2023, in Dayton, Ohio, Tristin Kate Smith committed suicide! The worst part of this story is that Tristin, a 28-year-old ER nurse, accused her abuser, healthcare, as the reason for taking her own life. She confided in detail in a note found on her computer by her father after her death about how she gave her heart, body, and mind to nursing because she wanted to help others and be a nurse forever. But she had heard rumors about healthcare's abusive past, about the … [Read more...]
Can You Refuse An Unsafe Assignment?
Here’s the scene: you walk into work for your 12-hour shift and immediately find yourself facing an exceptionally heavy patient load. What can you do? Your first thought is probably “I don’t want to commit malpractice; I want to provide the best care for my patients, and I want to protect my license.” When you look at the staffing assignments, it can be both overwhelming and stressful. You may be thinking, “How am I going to get this all done and make sure that my patients are provided … [Read more...]
What is Happening with the Nursing Boards During Covid?
As a member and president elect of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA.org), I have relationships with many nurse attorneys who practice before the various nursing boards throughout the country. In Indiana, where my office is located, the Board has filed very few cases against nurses so far and we had our first virtual hearing this week. Each state has taken a different approach on how to handle their cases against nurses. I did an informal survey and the answers were quite … [Read more...]
Interview with Criminal Defense Attorney, Marc Lopez of Marc Lopez Law
Lorie Brown, R.N., M.N., J.D. interviews Criminal Defense Attorney, Marc Lopez, J.D. of Marc Lopez Law - www.MarcLopezLaw.com. The discussion includes what happens when the quarantine is lifted, the possibility of having a higher tolerance due to drinking during the stay-at-home orders, DUI/OWI, and protecting your nursing license and professional healthcare license. … [Read more...]
