PROVIDING TESTIMONY

Nurses may be called upon to provide testimony in a court case involving evidence that they have collected. The following are recommendations:

• If subpoenaed to testify, prepare adequately by reviewing the written documentation and meeting with the attorney who is requesting the testimony in advance of the hearing.
• Listen carefully to the questions that are asked and consider a response before answering. Pausing to think through the question shows a thoughtful observer and reporter.
• When considering the response to a question, be thorough, but do not provide any additional or extraneous information unless expressly asked for clarification.
• Never make up facts about a case. It is better to say “I do not recall” rather than state something that is false or inaccurate.
• Maintain a calm demeanor and answer all questions honestly.

By being objective, professional, and thorough, a nurse can successfully participate in obtaining justice through the court system (La Monica & Pagliaro, 2013).