How a Black Nurse Fought Back Against Racism After Her Arrest Linked to a Patient's Death – A Court Victory in Colorado

A Black ICU nurse alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination against a Colorado hospital was awarded $20 million by a federal jury last month.DonQuenick Joppy, 41, filed a lawsuit against HCA-HealthOne LLC, the parent company of The Medical Center of Aurora, in April 2022, three years after her dismissal following the death of a 93-year-old patient admitted in critical condition. The hospital initially charged her with palliative care but later accused her of breaching nursing protocols by turning off the patient’s ventilator, causing them to suffer.Joppy contended that the hospital mischaracterized her role to retaliate for prior complaints of racial discrimination, and her lawsuit highlighted a pattern of systemic bias within ICU management. After a seven-day trial, jurors found in her favor for retaliatory termination, awarding her both compensatory and punitive damages. A hospital spokesperson expressed disagreement, asserting Joppy acted outside her professional limits. Amid this turmoil, Joppy seeks healing and stability for her family. (Photo: Robinson & Associates)