AALNC's Webinar Series

Earn CE Credits through AALNC's NEW Monthly Educational Webinars beginning in July.

As AALNC continues to meet the needs of our members, we are now offering a series of Webinar Presentations with well renowned speakers and dynamic educational presentations from the 2010 National Educational Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. So, if you were unable to join us in Pittsburgh, or you were unable to attend a specific presentation, you will now have the opportunity to receive the presentation live via webinars!

Who: AALNC Members ($35 per presentation)/Non Members ($50 per presentation)
What: Educational Presentations LIVE via Webinar
Where: On your own computer
When: Monthly (schedule listed below)
Why: To continue to be the preeminent educational resource for LNCs across the country!

All you need is a phone line and an internet connection to Go To Meeting [access provided upon registration] to take advantage of this Webinar Series.

To register, click here!

Monday, September 20 from 11-12pm CST
Speakers: Brian Zorn, Esq., and Elizabeth Zorn, BSN RN LNCC
Topic/Title: Screening and Investigating Potential Medical Malpractice Claims
Nursing Contact Hours Available: TBD
Abstract: Medical malpractice cases are difficilt, time-consuming and expensive claims. Non-meritorious and even equivocal cases are vigorously defended by the insurance carriers. Thus, it is very important to immediately recognize those claims that are likely to fall short in either liability or damages. For those claims in which a decision is made to investigate, it is imperative that the potential claim be thoroughly investigated prior to initiation of a lawsuit. LNCs working for plaintiff attorneys can play an important role in screening and investigating potential medical malpractice claims.

Friday, October 1st from 2-3pm CST
Speaker: Jonathan Liss, MD
Topic/Title: Forget Me Not: An Overview of Alzheimer's Disease and its Associated Legal Conundrums
Nursing Contact Hours Available: 1.0
Abstract: Dr. Liss will present an overview of Alzheimer's disease and discuss the effect of Alzheimer's on the family unit, along with the many reasons why lawsuits surround patients with this disease. As the population ages, many families across the country will be affected by Alzheimer's Disease. Yet, most people have very little understanding of its presentation and course. This lack of knowledge often creates strained relationships between family members. These strains are often projected on the healthcare provider and/or the assisted living environment. The emotional and financial burden of this disease often wrecks havoc on the family unit. This presentation will give an overview of the disease and through real life examples and show how and why the legal system is frequently involved.
Objectives:

Differentiate between dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Identify four different reasons why the justice system becomes involved in Alzheimer's cases.

November: TBD

Previous Webinars

The July webinar has already taken place
Thursday, July 1st from 12-1pm CST
Speaker: Edie Brous, RN MS MPH JD
Topic/Title: The Criminal Prosecution of Healthcare Providers: Implications for Nurse Attorneys and Legal Nurse Consultants
Nursing Contact Hours Available: 1.25
Abstract: Recent criminal charges against nurses create worrisome implications for patient safety. Unintentional human errors occur in clinical practice and are inevitable. The vast majority of errors reflects system problems that need to be addressed. Harm to patients can be reduced or avoided only when modern safety theory is used to respond to adverse events. While it is essential that errors be reported and analyzed, punitive approaches deter error reporting and endanger patients by allowing latent failures to continue. The fear of criminal charges undermines an organization's attempts to create a culture of safety and improve dangerous systems. Criminal prosecutions have a potentially chilling effect on error reporting and analysis and accelerate the shortage of healthcare providers. A review of several cases will demonstrate the political nature of these indictments and the destructive impact they have on patient safety.
Objectives:

Describe instances in which providers have been exposed to criminal liability.
Explain the impact of criminalization on patient safety.
Examine mechanisms for reducing the collateral impact of criminal charges.
List actions the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and The American Association of Attorneys can take to address the issue.

The August webinar has already taken place
Monday, August 2nd from 11-12pm CST
Speakers: Cheryl Gatti, RN BSN LNCC, and Jude Lark, RN BSN CCRN
Topic/Title: Epidural Hematoma: Issues from an LNC's Perspective
Nursing Contact Hours Available: 1.25
Abstract: An epidural hematoma is a complication associated with poor patient outcomes if not immediately diagnosed. More surgeries and procedures, including pain management with epidural catheters, are being performed and have the potential for the development of epidural hematomas. As LNCs, we are seeing an increase in the number of cases associated with a failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosis of the hematoma. For the LNC reviewing cases involving epidural hematomas, it is imperative that he/she understand the pathophysiology, co-morbidities that increase the risk and the types of patients who are at risk. It also is important that the LNC be knowledgeable regarding the standards of medical and nursing care related to spinal procedures and epidural catheters.
Objectives:

Describe the pathophysiology of an epidural hematoma and the types of patients with potential to develop an epidural hematoma.
Identify deviations in standards of medical and nursing care in actual case studies with strategies to improve patient outcomes.