Meet the 2024 PIC Keynote Speaker: RaDonda Vaught
September 9, 2024
Education, communication, and continuous improvement are things that are talked about in nursing all the time. The reality for nurses is that they hold the power of life for many seeking medical care. RaDonda Vaught’s story is an example of what can happen when nurses make a mistake.
ANA-Illinois has a legacy of promoting continuous improvement and education. Through her journey, RaDonda emphasizes the need for transparent communication, ongoing education, and a culture of learning in nursing to ensure patient safety and professional accountability.
Learn why this year’s PIC Keynote Speaker, RaDonda Vaught’s story, is so important for nurses to hear in person.
The Sentinel Event: A Tragic Medication Error
In 2017, a mistake led to a tragedy that would forever change her life. RaDonda made a medication error that resulted in a patient’s death. This mistake not only cost the patient her life, but it also cost Vaught her nursing license when the Tennessee Board of Nursing revoked it in 2021. Subsequently, she was charged with two felonies—Negligent Homicide and Abuse of an Impaired Adult—in March of 2022.
The tragic event became a pivotal moment in Vaught’s life. “You know, I would much rather someone learn from my experience than walk down this path on their own. This is a priceless lesson that I have had to learn. The price is someone else’s life.” she reflected.
As a result of her experience, RaDonda has made it her mission to educate nurses on the importance of understanding not only the emotional toll of what a mistake can cost but also the legal consequences. Her hope is to help nurses understand how important communication is in healthcare, not just between nursing staff themselves but also with the authority figures in nursing.
Why RaDonda’s Story Matters: Preventing Future Mistakes
RaDonda’s story illustrates how important learning from mistakes is. “Knowledge is power. Not just in healthcare, but in many high-risk organizations and industries, knowing is half of the battle.” By fostering a culture of safety and transparency, nurses can openly discuss errors without fear of punishment, allowing for collective learning and system-wide improvements.
RaDonda advocates for education programs to teach nurses about human factors and the systemic issues that often contribute to errors, giving nurses tools to recognize potential risks in the work environment.
“Nursing school and beyond should focus more on patient safety, risk management, and human factors,” she emphasized. By integrating these topics into the nursing curriculum and continuing education, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and prevent harmful mistakes.
Join ANA-Illinois at PIC: Hear This Important Story In-Person
RaDonda Vaught’s story is a profound reminder of the importance of continuous improvement in nursing. Her experience highlights the need for ongoing education, transparent communication, and a commitment to patient safety.
“The patient always comes first. We have to put ourselves in a position where we can ensure that we are doing the safest and best thing for our patients,” said RaDonda Vaught.
Did the system fail here? Or did RaDonada make a mistake? Come to PIC to hear her cautionary tale. Learn from her mistakes so this doesn’t happen to you.