HNTKYP: Stoping others from killing the patient

HNTKYP: Stoping others from killing the patient

From How Not to Kill Your Patient by Kevin McFarlane RN & Dr. Lisa Wolf

September 14, 2025 · 30 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how to intervene when a colleague is about to make a mistake that could harm a patient.

What happens when you're not the one about to make the mistake, but you're see someone about to make an error? In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Lisa Wolf tackle one of the toughest ethical and professional dilemmas in healthcare: how to intervene when a colleague is on the verge of harming a patient. From quiet cues to full-on halts, theydive into the art of the interruption. You'll also hear why modeling behavior matters, how burnout can blind providers, and why letting a mistake slide is more than just dangerous, it's bullying. If you've ever asked yourself, " How do I say something without causing a scene?" this one's for you. Key Takeaways: Your first loyalty is to the patient There's an art to interrupting mistakes Focus fatigue and burnout cause errors If you don't stop it, you're complicit Modeling matters Letting someone fail is a form of bullying Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art-of-Emergency-Nursing-276898616569046/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTnz4phtCTjojTIDJo2afA?view_as=subscriber Twitter: @AoenPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofemergencynursing/ To support the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kevin McFarlane RN, Dr. Lisa Wolf

Topics covered

  • ethics in healthcare
  • patient safety
  • intervention strategies
  • burnout
  • professional dilemmas

Keywords

  • patient safety
  • intervention
  • healthcare ethics
  • burnout
  • professional behavior

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Art of Emergency Nursing

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