Legal Protocols in Nursing

Nurses must follow legal regulations while at work.

Nurses are faced with legal issues on a daily basis. The Nurses Practice Act lists the roles and duties of a nurse. If these regulations are not adhered to, the nurse risks loss of license as well as a malpractice lawsuit.

Nurse Practice Act

Every state has a Nurse Practice Act; the guidelines outlined in the Act are relevant to each state. Nurse limitation, a section in the Act, states that a nurse should not carry out procedures that he is not trained to do. For example if he has not been trained to administer a prescription, he is forbidden from doing so.

Any wrongful act that has an adverse effect on a patient is punishable by law and may bring a lawsuit against the medical institution.

Administering Medication

It is the responsibility of a nurse to administer the correct medication and dosage to patients; an incorrect dosage can lead to a malpractice lawsuit.

Before administering any medication, the nurse must check the patient's records and ask the patient and family members if the patient has any allergies that may cause complications if a certain medication is taken.

Negligence

When a patient needs the help of a nurse, such as to use the restroom, the nurse must respond immediately. If she is unable to respond, another nurse must be sent to assist.

An injury caused by a nurse not responding to patients' needs can lead to a malpractice lawsuit.

References

• Online Lawyer Source: Nursing Malpractice Issues
• Ultimate Nurse: The Nurse Practice Act