Welcome to another insightful episode of the Legal Nurse Podcast with your host, Pat Iyer. Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical—and challenging—roles nurses play: patient advocacy. Pat Iyer is joined by Catherine Andrades, a seasoned critical care nurse, rapid response team member, ballet instructor, and self-proclaimed houseplant negotiator. Together, they explore not only the ethical foundations that require nurses to advocate fiercely for their patients, but also the complex realities nurses face when standing up for those in their care.

In this episode, Catherine Andrades brings real-world experience from the ICU, sharing hard-hitting stories of rapid response scenarios, the dangers of nurse burnout, and the haunting impact of workplace bullying. She and Pat Iyer unpack the power structures within healthcare, how policies sometimes fail at the bedside, and why patient advocacy is more important than ever—especially when facing intimidating colleagues or unresponsive physicians.

Listen in as they discuss practical strategies for navigating the chain of command, uncovering hidden patterns in medical records, and protecting both patients and nurses from catastrophic outcomes. Whether you’re a nurse, an attorney, or a legal nurse consultant, you’ll come away with crucial insights into how advocating for patients isn’t just a professional duty—it’s a matter of life and death.

What you’ll learn in this episode on Mastering Money Mindset:

Here are five intriguing questions that this podcast answers:

Where does the nurse's role as a patient advocate originate, and how is it defined by the American Nurses Association?

What are the consequences when nurses fail to act as patient advocates, especially in critical situations?

How does bullying or intimidating behavior by physician’s impact patient safety and nursing advocacy?

What steps should nurses take when a physician does not respond or refuses to assist with an escalating patient emergency?

How can legal nurse consultants identify issues of failed advocacy or chain of command breakdowns when reviewing medical records in malpractice cases?

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https://youtu.be/IW7Vpo0vCpc

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Your Presenters for Patient Advocacy Under Pressure: Navigating Bullying, Burnout, and Chain of Command in Hospitals

Pat Iyer

Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one's value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers.

Connect with Pat Iyer by email at [email protected]

Catherine Andrades

Catherine built her career in the ICU and rapid response, where noticing the smallest detail often meant the difference between chaos and control. Now she brings that same instinct to the legal world, helping attorneys build strategies that fit each case, not just the mold.When she is not on this podcast, she is teaching ballet, chasing her kids, or negotiating with her houseplants like they’re part of the family.

Connect with Catherine Andrades by email at [email protected]