Ep 23 – LIVE at VIVE – Challenge Accepted: Nurses and the Law
When the stakes are high and the pressure’s on, how do nurses turn obstacles into opportunities for change? From ethical dilemmas to liability issues, we’ll discuss how nurses navigate the complex world of healthcare law. Tune in to hear how advocacy and innovation are reshaping the future of nursing!
In this episode of Nurse Rosa’s INsights, host Rosa Hart welcomes Maggie Ortiz and Radonda Vaught for an insightful discussion about the power of advocacy, innovation, and leveraging the collective voice of nurses. This conversation highlights how engaging with nursing associations empowers individual nurses to amplify their voices and drive positive change within the healthcare system.
A central theme of the episode is the impact of Kentucky House Bill 159—the first law in the nation to protect nurses and healthcare workers from criminal punishment for making honest mistakes while providing care. This landmark legislation arose after Radonda Vaught’s 2022 conviction following a medication error, a case that shook the nursing community.
Maggie and Radonda share how this bill represents a significant victory for nursing advocacy and why staying engaged with policy changes is crucial to protecting the profession.
Nursing associations play a pivotal role in advocating for nurses’ rights and safety. By joining these organizations, nurses gain access to essential resources, legal support, and the power of a united voice. Unlike boards of nursing, which focus on regulating practice and discipline to protect patients, nursing associations actively support and uplift nurses, pushing for legislation that protects their well-being and professional autonomy.
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for advocacy, particularly for younger nurses. Engaging on platforms like Instagram and TikTok not only connects nurses nationwide but also spreads awareness of key issues and fosters community support. Maggie and Radonda discuss how social media can help mobilize the next generation of nurses to get involved and make their voices heard.
Understanding legislative impact is essential, as laws and policies directly shape nursing practice and patient safety. Advocacy doesn’t just happen in the boardroom—it happens when nurses come together to demand change. The passage of Kentucky House Bill 159 shows that persistent efforts can make a real difference, and staying informed about legislative developments is vital to protecting both patients and practitioners.
Advocacy efforts aren’t just about protecting the profession—they’re about investing in the future of nursing. Whether you’re advocating through a professional association, engaging in social media campaigns, or speaking up at the state legislature, every effort counts. By working together and amplifying the nursing voice, we can shape a healthcare system that truly values and supports its frontline workers.
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Connect with Maggie Ortiz, MSN, RN at:
https://www.advocatesfornurses.com/
Connect with Radonda Vaught at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/radondavaught/
Follow Rosa Hart on your favorite social media platform @NurseRosaSpeaks or via
https://linktr.ee/nurserosaspeaks
For more podcasts hosted by Rosa Hart, tune in to Stronger After Stroke, Aging Like A Pro, and The Lou Review.
