What constitutes negligence in nursing practice?

Negligence in nursing practice is primarily defined by the failure to adhere to a defined standard of care. This means that a nurse has not performed their duties as expected within the scope of practice outlined by professional guidelines, legal statutes, or institutional policies. A defined standard of care acts as a benchmark which nurses are expected to follow, ensuring that they provide safe and effective care to patients.

When a nurse does not meet this standard, it can result in harm to the patient, which is a key element in establishing negligence. This could manifest in various ways, such as failing to monitor a patient properly, not administering medications as prescribed, or neglecting to communicate important changes to the healthcare team. Any deviation from these expected practices establishes the basis for a negligence claim, as the nurse’s actions (or inactions) can significantly affect patient outcomes.

In contrast, providing care above standard expectations does not constitute negligence, as this demonstrates a commitment to high-quality care. Documenting patient interactions is a critical component of nursing practice that supports accountability and continuity of care, while making assumptions about patient changes can also indicate a lapse in care, but it is fundamentally tied to the failure to follow established standards. Thus, the essence of negligence is firmly rooted in not meeting those