Nursing Negligence

Nurses go by many names, often governed by their field of study or level of education.  Common titles include:

• nurse practitioner (NP);
  
• public health nurse (PHN);
• certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA);
• registered nurse (RN);
• home health nurse (HHN);
  
• occupational health nurse (OHN):
  
• licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN); and
  
• certified nurse assistant (CNA).

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has secured additional education and training in order to function as a doctor.  Most can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications.  Registered nurses generally hold post-baccalaureate degrees and can provide virtually all aspects of care and support to patients short of diagnosing illnesses or prescribing medications.  A public health nurse is a registered nurse with specialized training in community health.  A certified registered nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse with specialized training in anesthetics.  A home health nurse is a registered nurse who provides care to home-bound patients.  An occupational health nurse is a registered nurse who provides care to workers and worker populations.  Licensed practical nurses and certified nurse assistants take direction from and/or provide support to registered nurses and medical staff.

As many nurses provide care in busy and stressful environments, the potential for mistakes are high as people become fatigued and overwhelmed.  According to a recent study, since 1995 nearly 2,000 hospital patients have died in the United States due to the actions or inaction of a registered nurse.  Nearly 10,000 more patients have been injured.  The most common reported nursing errors were:

• wrong medication;
• wrong dose;
• wrong patient;
• failure to monitor a patient;
• failure to follow physician orders;
• failure to supervise an LPN, LVN or CNA; and
  
• providing care without appropriate training.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of nursing error cases.  If you or a loved one with injured while under the care of a nurse, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and nursing negligence attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.