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In 2017, a fatal medication error shocked the medical world, and its aftermath has left the nursing community forever changed. In this gripping episode, Jeremy and Sharon sit down with RaDonda Vaught, the nurse who was found guilty of two felony charges in 2022. She shares the story of how a routine shift, a medication override, and a system-wide communication failure led to a tragedy — and eventually, criminal prosecution. This is more than a case study in medical error. It’s a conversation about system design, transparency, accountability, and what it means to truly support healthcare professionals in moments of crisis.
With vulnerability, honesty, and deep insight, RaDonda reflects on her choices, the court’s verdict, and the personal toll of becoming a symbol in a complex debate. She is uniquely qualified to speak firsthand on the impact this sentinel event has had on her life and her profession, along with the implications of the legal actions that followed. A passionate advocate for safety and improvement, her story will be one that is not easily forgotten.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
⚖️ Criminal charges after a medical error — what happened and why
💊 How an override mistake revealed system-wide vulnerabilities
🧠 The emotional toll on nurses and the danger of silence
📉 The legal, ethical, and professional ripple effects
🛑 Why every healthcare provider needs legal protection in an investigation
Learn more about the case here
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at aana.com/hackathon.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
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"My gut told me differently. But, you know, and I should have listened to that, but I didn't."
- RaDonda Vaught
