Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Diana Connors '23

Co-registrant Names: Sophie Allen

Type of Presentation: Round Table Discussion

Presentation Title: "Innocent or Guilty - A discussion about the RaDonda Vaught case and its implications for nurses"

Abstract:

Innocent or Guilty? – A discussion about the RaDonda Vaught case and its implications for nurses

Over 100,000 medication errors in hospital settings are reported to the FDA each year. Who is responsible for these errors that are leading to patient deaths? Who should be held accountable when systems and individuals are contributing to an unsafe medical setting? In 2017, RaDonda Vaught, a registered nurse working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, administered the wrong medication, leading to a patient death. Franklin Pierce University’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) divided students into two teams, prosecution and defense, to simulate a courtroom setting mock trial. Students from the third nursing cohort of the MEPN program participated as the jury. Guiding arguments for both sides were themes of just culture, ethics, safety, patient care, and the importance of education in the field of nursing. After presenting all arguments the jury deliberated and handed down their verdict. The jury found in favor of the prosecution. The mock trial concluded with a discussion on how the jury reached its verdict. This roundtable discussion will serve as a representation of both the prosecution and defense, highlighting the leading arguments for each side.

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