Testifying — what do you think of? Sounds daunting, but testifying can be quite straightforward if you’re prepared. Now, think of testifying as an expert witness. You probably feel a bit calmer because you’d be testifying about facts which already occurred.
Testifying Tidbits for Legal Nurse Consultants:
Nothing can substitute for being prepared. Reread the medical record you last looked at over a year ago. Read every entry because you don’t know which entries you may be asked about. You’re thinking, I’m the nursing expert not the medical expert so I’ll skim over the physician’s notes. Think again. While you may not be asked about the medical standard of care, you’re expected to have reviewed the entire record.
Reread your notes. Sure, you put your notes into a final report, but if you still have your notes, you should reread them. Remember, you may be asked to produce your notes but these notes might help support your opinion.
Remain calm. Don’t loose your cool. Remember, you’re the expert. You didn’t create the facts, you’re just testifying about them.
Testify and move on. Just be sure to put yourself in the best position by doing your prep work first.
