Nurses serve as the frontline providers of patient care. The demands placed on them can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and fatigue. Despite these challenges, we expect nurses to provide a high level of care — but what happens when a nurse makes a mistake? Although the exact answer will depend on the details of the case, the following will provide some general guidance for those who find themselves in this situation.
Does scheduling matter?
Nurses throughout the country are exhausted and frustrated. A recent publication in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports more than 4 million registered nurses have reached a level of exhaustion that is unmanageable and are considering leaving their chosen profession. When hospital systems overschedule nurses, their attention to detail may suffer, increasing the risk of errors. The legal implications of such errors can be severe, including malpractice claims and loss of licensure.
When it comes to the question of scheduling, there are instances when a hospital’s scheduling practices can result in their liability if a nurse makes a mistake. This does not mean the nurse is off the hook, but it can result in the patient holding more than one party accountable. This could result in a malpractice lawsuit that includes the hospital and other treating physicians as well as the nurse.
How can I provide high quality care if I am overworked?
The following strategies can help:
- Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most critical tasks first.
- Seek support: Collaborate with colleagues and delegate tasks when possible. Utilize team resources effectively.
- Stay organized: Keep workspaces tidy and use tools like planners to manage time efficiently.
By implementing these strategies, nurses can better manage their workload and continue to provide high-quality care.
What are the consequences if I make a mistake?
In addition to the potential for a medical malpractice claim discussed above, those with a professional nursing license also face the risk of a suspension or revocation of their license. It is important to take these allegations seriously as they mean more than just a monetary penalty, they can mean the end of your career. You can mitigate this risk by building a defense to the allegations and presenting this information to the state licensing board.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.