64 - Killer Nurses

Not every killer hides in the shadows—some wear scrubs.They weren’t stalking dark alleys—they were standing at your bedside, armed with syringes, IV bags, and your blind trust. Explore the chilling psychology behind nurses who kill.From Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who murdered in silence, to Charles Cullen, who left a body count across 16 hospitals—these killers didn’t wear masks. They wore name badges.We examine what drives a caregiver to cross the line from healer to harmer, how red flags were ignored, and whether the legal system is equipped to handle murder disguised as medicine. Are they misguided angels of mercy, convinced they’re ending suffering? Or cold-blooded predators exploiting access, authority, and the blind faith of their patients?Joining us is Shannon Casey, a legal nurse consultant who helps law firms uncover the truth behind suspicious deaths. She brings her clinical expertise to dissect the medical records and patterns left behind by these so-called caregivers turned killers.Together, we explore some of the darkest cases in medical history:Lucy Letby – Neonatal killer with a chilling diary confessionCharles Cullen – The most prolific healthcare serial killer in U.S. historyGenene Jones – Created medical emergencies just to “save” her victimsKristen Gilbert – Induced fatal heart attacks to play the heroBeverley Allitt – Harmed children to feed a need for sympathyOrville Lynn Majors – Said he hated old people… and then ensured they diedJane Toppan – Admitted she “got pleasure” holding patients as they slipped awayPeel back the sterile curtain of healthcare and uncover what happens when trust turns toxic—and compassion becomes a deadly disguise.Because sometimes, the most dangerous person in the room… is the one giving you care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Killer Nurses02:56 The Case of Lucy Letby05:48 Psychological Profiles of Killer Nurses08:52 Methods and Motives Behind Nurse Killers12:03 The Role of Hospitals in Nurse Killings14:53 Historical Cases of Nurse Killers18:08 The Insanity Defense in Nursing Cases21:05 Cultural Issues in Healthcare and Accountability41:25 The Dilemma of Patient Safety vs. Employee Protection48:06 The Consequences of Inadequate Reporting in Healthcare51:00 The Case of Elizabeth Wetloffer: A Canadian Killer Nurse52:47 The Need for Psychological Evaluations in Healthcare59:18 The Impact of Stress and Liability on Healthcare Workers01:01:29 The Case of Beverley Allitt: Attention-Seeking Behavior in Nursing01:11:47 Understanding Fictitious Disorder and Its ImplicationsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.