Medical care is complex, and nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety. From gathering patient information to administering treatment to communicating critical information to physicians, nurses cover the majority of the patient’s story during medical care in healthcare settings. But what happens when one of those critical responsibilities breaks down? Errors in nursing—whether a medication mistake, charting issue, inadequate monitoring, inattention to warnings, or improper patient handling—can have serious consequences. Many people wonder what the difference is between medical malpractice vs. negligence in nursing. The short answer is there is none. Nursing negligence is medical malpractice, and injured patients from poor nursing care have the right to seek justice.
Understanding Malpractice vs. Negligence in Nursing
Nursing errors can take many forms, including:
- Medication errors: Administering the wrong dosage or medication.
- Failure to monitor: Missing changes in a patient’s condition that require immediate attention.
- Improper patient handling: Causing injury during transfers or physical care.
- Lack of proper documentation: Failing to accurately record a patient’s condition or care provided.
- Lack of Communication: Failure to communicate critical information among the care team, during shift-rotation handoffs, and improperly communicating instructions to patients.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities often share liability for the failures of their employees or agents.. Many facilities even contract out services to get temporary nurses to handle high patient volumes, with expedited vetting of those nurses who are thrown into the mix with the standard nursing unit care teams. These variables can create chaotic, even hostile, environments behind the scenes, ultimately impacting patient outcomes and care. If a facility fails to provide adequate training, staffing, or resources, it can be held responsible, along with the nurse involved.
Why Nursing Mistakes Happen
Malpractice in nursing often arises from systemic issues, not just individual mistakes. Nurses must pass basic licensing exams to demonstrate their competence in patient care, but their continued training, education, and standards for treating patients (including how many patients they can handle at one time) are mostly determined by the healthcare system. Common contributing factors include:
- Overworked or understaffed units
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Poor communication among healthcare staff
- High nursing turnover rates for staff and leadership
- Failure to have or follow established protocols
Understanding these factors can help people injured by a nurse’s decisions or actions identify where liability lies and build a strong case.
Pursuing Justice for Nursing Malpractice
If you or a loved one has been harmed by nursing negligence, it’s important to take action promptly. Key steps include:
- Document the incident: Keep medical records, notes, photographs, emails, texts, and any evidence of the error.
- Consult an experienced nursing negligence attorney: A medical malpractice lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your options.
- File a claim: Your attorney will guide you through pursuing compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Garmey Law, we understand the complexities of nursing malpractice cases. Our team works closely with experts to ensure your case is handled thoroughly and aggressively.
Protect Your Rights After Nursing Negligence
Nursing malpractice can have life-changing consequences. Remember, many people wonder what the difference is between medical malpractice and nursing negligence – there is none. If you’ve been harmed due to nursing errors, don’t wait. Contact Garmey Law today to schedule a consultation and protect your right to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between medical malpractice and nursing negligence?
Many people wonder about this, but there is no difference—nursing negligence is a form of medical malpractice. Both involve harm caused by a failure to meet the accepted standard of care.
What are common examples of nursing malpractice?
Common examples include medication errors, improper patient monitoring, unsafe patient handling, and failure to document care accurately.
Can hospitals be held responsible for nursing malpractice?
Yes. Hospitals may share liability if they fail to provide proper training, staffing, or resources, contributing to a nurse’s negligent actions.
How can I pursue a nursing malpractice claim?
Victims should document the incident, gather medical records, and consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney to evaluate liability and file a claim.