A Brief Guide To Legal Representation Nurses

By April Briggs


We all require advice, guidance or defense related to law from time to time. Professionals are mandated by law to abide by certain procedures and stipulations during their practice. Nursing like any other profession is liable to legal risk and need advice or defense in a court of law or a disciplinary board. Legal representation nurses are as important as the practice of nursing to nurses.

A good nurse must understand his or her rights, especially pertaining the workplace. If cases when one is not sure, it is safer to ask from someone well versed in the nursing law to be on the safe side. Attorneys come in handy at this particular point because they not only offer advice but also, representation if need be. They help in cases of forced overtime, whistle blowing, wrongful discharge among other concerns.

Often, nurses receive complaints from their professional practice from patients, hospital management or other staff. In such cases, hiring a lawyer ensures that your interests are protected. For example, if testifying at a Coroners inquest, an attorney will help prepare the testimony to ensure that your rights and interests prevail.

Other areas that a nurse may require attorney services is in employment contract reviews, renewing of licenses and Human Right claims. In case one is prosecuted or summoned before a court of law or before the Board of Nursing, it is important to have an attorney present to protect your rights and interests. The other side has an attorney to protect their interests, why should you not?

After discussing the importance of hiring an attorney it is now time to talk about the hiring process. Not every lawyer is qualified to handle your particular case. Ensure that you look for someone with experience in handling such a case and one with your best interests at heart. Ask a lot of questions and also look into the reputation of the law firm.

Nurses have various options for funding legal representation. Some regions have nursing associations that provide financial aid when one of their members is in trouble. The membership and terms may vary between organizations, and some are required to pay a fee. Another option is to take insurance cover. For instance, malpractice is inexpensive and can cover nurses such that when they are sued for malpractice they have adequate and quality defense.

If there are problems in the workplace, one should take the time to learn everything they can about the problems. One should evaluate whether the problem is affecting patient care and whether there are policies concerning the problem. If not familiar with the ethical or legal provisions, you may consult with someone who is knowledgeable. After understanding what is happening in relation to existing rules and policies, the first step is to raise the issue with the administration.

The administration should be willing to rectify the situation but if for any reason they are not, you may ask help from other sources. The nursing union usually has representatives in the workplace or, the local nursing association. Another option is a lawyer who will advise on the best way forward. However, what you do, ensure that it is within the boundaries of reason and law.




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