A breach of duty in nursing can take many forms, and it is important for nurses to be aware of the specific standards of care that apply in their practice area.
In general, nurses have a duty to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to their patients. This includes tasks such as these:
- Assessing patients’ needs
- Developing care plans
- Administering medications and treatments
- Monitoring patients’ condition
- Communicating with other healthcare providers
Depending on the level of certification, nurses may only be allowed to work within their scope of practice under the supervision of a nurse with more training or a physician.
Nursing Breach of Duty Examples
A breach of duty in nursing refers to a failure to meet the standard of care that is expected of a nurse in a particular situation. This can occur when a nurse fails to provide appropriate treatment, neglects a patient, or makes a mistake that causes harm to a patient.
Examples of a breach of duty in nursing may include the following:
- Failing to properly monitor a patient’s vital signs or administer medication on schedule
- Neglecting to clean and dress a wound properly
- Failing to recognize and report signs of infection or deterioration in a patient’s condition
- Making a medication error or administering the wrong dosage
- Failing to document or communicate important information about a patient’s condition to other healthcare providers
Neglect is one of the most common charges of breach of duty. Neglect is a failure to provide basic care and attention to a patient or providing care that is inadequate or inappropriate. Neglect can also include failing to recognize and address changes in a patient’s condition or failing to take appropriate action when a patient’s condition deteriorates. In some cases, neglect can lead to serious harm or even death.
How to Avoid Nursing Breach of Duty Charges
To avoid breaches of duty, nurses must be well-trained and stay up-to-date with the latest standards of care. They should also be aware of the signs of potential problems and take appropriate action to address them.
Additionally, nurses should be aware of the importance of documentation and ensure that all relevant information is recorded and communicated to other healthcare providers in a timely manner.
Litigation Due to Breach of Duty
When a nurse breaches their duty of care, they may be held liable for any harm or injury that results. This can include not only physical harm, but also emotional or psychological harm. In some cases, a breach of duty in nursing may even result in a patient’s death.
If a patient believes that they have suffered harm as a result of a breach of duty by a nurse, they may file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory body, such as the Florida Nursing Board. They may also choose to take legal action against the nurse or healthcare facility.
If you are facing charges of breach of duty, Florida Healthcare Law Firm can help. Contact us today to set up a consultation, and we can help you determine your best path forward.