Because learning doesn't end with a cap and a gown.

We've gathered the latest insights from the some of the best minds in nursing to bring you practical and relevant information.

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Learn about malpractice prevention and earn CE credits.

"Focus on Malpractice Prevention" is a risk management continuing education program that offers CE accreditation and a 10% discount on NSO premiums. 

Nurse Case Study: Failure to prevent and properly treat decubitus ulcer.

Failure to prevent and properly treat decubitus ulcer – continues to Stage IV – defense verdict. 

Nurse Case Study: Failure to timely diagnose and treat stroke.

Failure to timely diagnose and treat stroke – partial paralysis of arm, aphasia, mild cognitive impairment and foot drop – $4 million settlement.

Nurse Case Study: Failure to adequately assess and monitor the patient post operatively resulting in the patient’s death.

The decedent/ plaintiff was a 67-year-old male who underwent a right total knee replacement. Following the procedure, the plaintiff was treated in the post-anesthesia care unit where an epidural catheter was inserted for post-operative pain management.

Nurse Case Study: Failure to report changes in the patient's medical condition to practitioner.

The patient was a 38-year-old female admitted for a Cesarean delivery of twins. The babies were delivered without incident, but the patient experienced excessive post-operative vaginal bleeding attributed to placental accreta.

Nurse Case Study: Incorrect IV push of potassium chloride.

Potassium chloride by IV drip ordered for woman, but family claims IV push of potassium chloride given – death – $250,000 verdict.

Nurse Case Study: Malfunctioning hospital bed blamed for strangulation death of man.

Malfunctioning hospital bed blamed for strangulation death of man – $1 million settlement in Texas with some parties – confidential settlement with others. 

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Alleged improper admission orders resulting in morphine overdose and death.

The decedent patient (plaintiff) was a 72-year-old woman who had been receiving hospital care for acute back pain resulting from a fall. Her past history included chronic pain management and end-stage renal disease for which she received hemodialysis.

Administer meds without a doctor's order? Proceed with caution.

Registered nurses generally should administer medications only with a physician’s order. Only certain advanced practice nurses have prescriptive authority, and their qualifications, as well as the type of drug and the amount they are allowed to prescribe, vary from state to state.

Charting by exception: the legal risks.

There are numerous variations to charting by exception. Virtually every facility that uses such a system does it differently.

Are You Filing Incident Reports Properly?

Knowing when—and how—to file incident reports can help you to protect yourself, your patients, your colleagues, and your organization.   

Keeping up with technology: your risks and responsibilities.

Information technology is constantly evolving. Among the most common types are electronic health records (EHRs) and computerized physician order entry systems (CPOEs).

Don't cross the line: respecting professional boundaries.

At best, nurses and patients develop a special bond based on trust, compassion, and mutual respect.

Do's and Don'ts of Documentation

Good documentation can help nurses defend themselves in a malpractice lawsuit, and keep them out of court in the first place. 

Nurse Fatigue Creates a Dangerous Environment

Nurses work long hours and play a critical role in keeping patients healthy. Many nurses feel that fatigue “comes with the territory” of such a high-stress, high-impact job. But what’s really at risk when a nurse is fatigued? 

Documentation: proactive prevention of litigation.

There is no quick and effective antidote to malpractice allegations. Prevention, however, is necessary.

Documentation on trial: 9 ways to protect your agency.

In most states, a patient can wait several years to file a lawsuit and then it can take years before the suit goes to court.

Defensive Documentation: Steps Nurses Can Take to Improve Their Charting and Reduce Their Liability

Whether you are an experienced nurse or recent grad, documentation can be challenging. Here is some information that can assist with improving your charting and reducing liability risks:  

How documentation could come back to haunt you.

The confusing or opinionated words you choose in charting today could come back to haunt you tomorrow.

Abbreviations in Documentation: A shortcut to disaster for Nurses

Trying to save time by using abbreviations? Make sure that you aren't putting yourself or your patients in jeopardy.

Responding to questions in a pre-trial deposition.

This video can help you be prepared. 

Test Your Liability IQ: Top Reasons Nurses Get Sued

This webinar explores indemnity and expense payments for professional liability claims on behalf of nurses, RN, LPN and LVNs, insured under the CNA/NSO program during the most recent five-year period, 2011-2015.

A Solution to Sitters That Won’t Fall Short

Patient falls continue to be a leading cause of preventable injury in U.S. hospitals1.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: The case of a pediatric patient at a walk-in clinic with leg laceration and subsequent infection.

The pediatric patient was a 12-year-old male brought into a walk-in clinic by his parents shortly after falling and lacerating his knee. The patient sustained a six centimeter elliptical laceration above his right knee.

Nurse Case Study: Medication administration error at long-term facility the cause of elderly woman's death.

An elderly woman living in a long-term care facility passes away; autopsy reveals the cause of death to be an overdose of morphine. Indemnity Settlement Payment: In excess of $390,000.

Creating Inclusiveness for Transgender Patients

As a nursing professional, being attuned to the needs of transgender patients helps you ensure their health needs are met and reduces the risk of legal liability.

Hospital Workplace Violence and Safety Response

Healthcare workers, and in particular hospital workers, are at high risk for workplace violence. Yet many hospitals don’t have safety protocols in place, and those that do often haven’t examined protocol adherence or efficacy.

Dispensing Alert! Dial, Set, and Lock that Dose

NSO and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) have teamed up to help you practice safe medication use and keep patients safe. The following is an ISMP Medication Safety Alert from the August 2017 NSO Risk Advisor.

Social Media Etiquette for Nursing Professionals

Social media is a powerful tool that almost everyone uses, but it’s important to remember that what’s shared on social media can have negative effects on your life and career.   

Nurse Case Study: Alleged failure to properly assess and monitor the impaired, restrained patient

The patient was intoxicated and aggressive when brought to the ED, and had to be restrained. Shortly after an assessment check, the patient attempted to burn off his restraints with a cigarette lighter. He suffered severe burns over 25 percent of his body, resulting in permanent disability.

Nurse Case Study: Failure to perform an appropriate assessment on a patient that had undergone extensive surgery

Failure to perform an appropriate assessment on a patient that had undergone extensive surgery; Failure to properly evaluate and monitor a patient that had undergone extensive surgery; Failure to recognize a known risk of liposuction with abdominoplasty procedures; Failure to take the appropriate measures to assure that a patient received timely medical intervention.

The Ins and Outs of Patient Abandonment

What is patient abandonment, and why do nursing students need to know about it? 

End of Life Care: Responsibilities and Risks

Nurses can make a major contribution in easing the transition from aggressive treatment to palliative care, regardless of the setting. To do so, they must be prepared to make ethical and humane decisions while also avoiding professional liability exposures.

When to Refuse a Nursing Assignment

Being assigned to an unfamiliar clinical area is one thing, but what if you are ordered to perform an unfamiliar procedure or a task that’s outside the scope of nursing practice? When should you refuse an assignment?

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to properly obtain/perform a complete patient history; improper prescribing of controlled drugs

This case study involves a family nurse practitioner working in a pain management clinic.

Protect Your Professional License, Protect Your Livelihood

When you purchase your own professional liability insurance policy through Nurses Service Organization (NSO), you have peace of mind knowing that you have the resources available to protect your license and your right to practice.

Overcoming the pitfalls of medication reconciliation

Any time there’s a hand-off in patient care, there’s an increased risk for a medication error. Medication reconciliation has been used to help bridge this hand-off communication on admission, between transfers in the hospital, and at discharge.

Reducing readmissions through discharge communication

One of the most important transitions in the continuum of care is patient discharge. Unfortunately, many patients across the country will leave hospitals, clinics, and healthcare provider offices unsure about what medications to take, when to make a follow-up appointment, and other critical details about their care.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Case Study: Failure to conduct anesthetic of a patient during a procedure

This case study involves a CRNA working in an outpatient endoscopy center.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - Improper Technique When Performing a Peribulbar and/or Retrobulbar Block

Failure to perform a post-operative assessment, failure to accurately document anesthesia complications in a medical record, and failure to complete a proper informed consent.

The Non-Adherent Patient: Risk Control Strategies for Nurses

Patient non-adherence can come in many forms: unwillingness to follow a course of therapy, repeated missed appointments, rejecting treatment recommendations, reluctance to take medications, refusal to provide information or chronic late payments. If left unchecked, such conduct may result in litigation.

Nurse Case Study: Medication Administration Error and Failure to Monitor

This case study involves a nurse working in an intensive care unit. Allegations included failure to monitor, failure to utilize the nursing chain of command, and medication administration error.

What to Do in an Active Shooter Situation

Does your workplace have a plan in place for how to handle an active shooter? Would you know how to react to protect yourself and your patients or clients?

Nurse Case Study: Failure to follow policies and procedures on skin integrity

This case study involves registered nurse working in an operating room setting and adult surgical unit.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to timely address behavioral health condition/complication

This case study involves a nurse practitioner in an office setting.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to monitor patient receiving testosterone injections

This case study involves a nurse practitioner in an office setting.

Medication Management for Advanced Practice Nurses: Protecting Yourself from Liability

NSO and The American Association of Nurse Attorneys is hosting a workshop on Medication Management. Attendees will obtain 3 Continuing Education Credits*.

Medical Malpractice 101 for Nursing Students: Know the Facts, Know Your Risk

What do nursing students need to know about medical malpractice? What should nurses know about their professional liability risks?

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to Diagnose

Failure to diagnose is the most frequent malpractice allegation asserted against nurse practitioners. It accounts for 32.8% of all malpractice claims against nurse practitioners, according to the Nurse Practitioner Claim Report: 4th Edition. Failure to diagnose cancer and failure to diagnose infections account for 50% of failure to diagnose allegations.

Nurse Case Study: Negligent performance of sclerotherapy, negligent wound care management

This case involves a registered nurse providing services for a vascular surgeon. 

Nurse Case Study: Failure to monitor; failure to properly recognize drug overdose; failure to call for emergency services

This case involves an independently contracted registered nurse who provided nursing consultation to a residential facility that cared for adults with mild to moderate mental health issues (besides substance abuse).

Nurse Case Study: Failure to maintain appropriate professional education

This case study involves a registered nurse working in an operating room setting, who treated a 70-year-old male who presented for a cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the prostate procedure due to urinary retention and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Wrongful Designation Attorney's Designation of A Testifying Expert Without the Expert Knowledge

At a recent annual conference of the American Association of Insurance Management Consultants (“AAIMCo”), the agenda included a session on an emerging issue which AAIMCo refers to as Wrongful Designation that expert witnesses may need to pay close attention to. Wrongful Designation is when an attorney designates an individual as a testifying expert without the expert’s knowledge.
 

Nurse Case Study: Failure to follow Physician orders

A 23-year old woman with no significant prior medical history presented to the emergency room with complaints of generalized body ache of two weeks duration and a fever of 102.6.  

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to ensure that essential monitoring of vital signs, fluid intake and urine output were performed and documented

The patient was a 59-year old female who had undergone inpatient bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy three days before being discharged to home care. Discharge orders included a home care referral for wound care and assessment of perceived changes in the patient’s mental status. 

Defending Your License: Strategies for Nursing Professionals

In 2017, more actions were taken against nursing licenses in the U.S. than there were malpractice claims.  

-National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)  

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to follow the standard of care

This case study involves a nurse practitioner working in a medical clinical environment. 

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to monitor; failure to complete documentation in a timely manner

The patient (plaintiff) in this case was a 50-year-old male who first came to our insured nurse practitioner (NP) after researching his symptoms on the internet.

Nurse Case Study: Failure to monitor and report changes in the patient’s medical condition to practitioner

A 38 ½ weeks pregnant patient arrived at the emergency department (ED) at 8:29p.m. with complaints of abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement. 

Risk Management Considerations in Telehealth and Telemedicine

As the provision of healthcare services via technology—commonly called telehealth or telemedicine—expands during the current COVID-19 emergency period, questions arise regarding the permitted scope of practice, licensure requirements and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among other regulatory-based inquiries.

Renewing in 4 Simple Steps

We’ve made it easy to renew your policy online. All you need is your policy number and zip code. And we’ve also included an autopay capability to make renewing next year even easier.

4 Risks Nurses Face Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the coronavirus spreads and nurses are tasked with caring for an influx of patients, the Nurses Service Organization risk management team has identified four specific risks/tips nurses should keep in mind to protect themselves. Download the infographic here.

5 Most Commonly Questions About Malpractice Coverage

Everyone who has insurance also has questions about their insurance. Don’t worry—we’re here to answer any questions you have. 

Thinking of relying on your employer's malpractice coverage? Think again

Employer-provided malpractice insurance delivers only partial coverage

Everything You Need to Know About Your Coverage

What You Need to Know About Your Coverage

Are You in Compliance With the Recommended Standards of Care? Use Our Checklist

Nurses play a critical role in patient care, detecting potential problems, and advocating for a culture of safety. NSO and our insurance carrier partner, CNA, designed this self-assessment checklist based on significant topics from our Nurse Claim Report to help nurses enhance patient safety and minimize your liability exposure. 

NSO Puts Your Best Interests First

You’ve studied hard and invested a lot of time and resources into becoming a nurse. You identify as a nurse. it’s your career. Your ability and license to practice can be taken away by a complaint. Further, one lawsuit can be financially devastating in legal fees. Help protect your investment and future by renewing.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Alleged improper admission orders resulting in morphine overdose and death.

The decedent patient (plaintiff) was a 72-year-old woman who had been receiving hospital care for acute back pain resulting from a fall. Her past history included chronic pain management and end-stage renal disease for which she received hemodialysis.

Nurse Case Study: Alleged failure to properly assess and monitor the impaired, restrained patient

The patient was intoxicated and aggressive when brought to the ED, and had to be restrained. Shortly after an assessment check, the patient attempted to burn off his restraints with a cigarette lighter. He suffered severe burns over 25 percent of his body, resulting in permanent disability.

Risks of Practicing Without Malpractice Insurance for Nurses

You wouldn’t risk driving a car without insurance. Nor would you go without health insurance. Going without malpractice insurance is just as risky financially. Because your nursing career and reputation are at stake, you have a lot more to lose than just your savings. 

Infographic: Medical Malpractice 101 for Nurse Practitioners

What are the most common injuries that lead to a malpractice lawsuit against nurse practitioners? What is the average payout by injury? Medical malpractice lawsuits are a reality for nursing professionals. If named in a lawsuit, what should you do? These and more questions are answered!

Defending Your License: Strategies for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

The presentation will focus on providing strategies for advanced practice nurses to defend their professional license.

10 Surprising Facts from the Nurses Malpractice Claim Report

As a nursing professional, what do you consider to be the greatest risk to your career? In the Nurses Claim Report, NSO and CNA review and analyze malpractice and licensing claims to help nursing professionals understand your areas of greatest vulnerability. Armed with the knowledge gained from the Report, nurses can reduce their risks of potential litigation and take steps to help improve patient outcomes.

The 5 most important takeaways you need to know from nurse's claim report

5 Key Takeaways in the Nurses Claim Report 

The 4 most important takeaways you need to know from the Nurse Practitioners claim report

4 Key Takeaways in the Nurse Practitioners Claim Report 

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to properly monitor a patient on a medication that can cause organ failure

Defendant is a Nurse Practitioner working at a college infirmary.

Nurse Case Study: Improper administration and monitoring of Mitomycin

The defendant in this case is a nurse.

Nurse Case Study: Failed to perform a nursing assessment on a patient at high risk for a cardiovascular accident

This case study involves a nurse working as an occupational health nurse.

Claims Made Vs. Occurrence Coverage

Claims Made or Occurrence Coverage? A quick overview of the difference and picking the right one for you.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to counsel patient on risks of noncompliance

This case involves a family nurse practitioner (NP), her business (a women’s health clinic), and employees that specialized in gynecology and hormone therapy.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to follow-up on lab results

This case study involves a nurse practitioner in private practice setting.

Nurse Case Study: Wrongful delegation of patient care to unlicensed assistive personnel

Our insured was a registered nurse (RN) employed by a home healthcare agency. She was with a patient when she received a telephone call from a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who was employed at the same agency.

3 Common Nurse Charting Mistakes to Avoid (Part 1)

Accurate and complete patient chart information is essential to providing the highest possible standard of care. Here are simple tips to improve nurse charting, protect patients from treatment error and prevent potential malpractice liability.

Nurse Case Study: Deviation from the standard of care

This case involves a registered nurse working in an ambulatory surgery setting.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Narcotic medications prescribed to patient when not medically indicated

This case involves two insured nurse practitioners who owned a primary care medical clinic.

Nurses’ Malpractice Insurance Claim Reports

Ever wonder why nurses are sued for malpractice and what you can do to reduce the risk of a potential lawsuit? Now you can find out. NSO, in collaboration with CNA, has released their new report: Nurse Professional Liability Exposure Claim Report: 4th Edition: Minimizing Risk, Achieving Excellence.

Nurse Webinar: Using Malpractice Claims Data to Identify Risks in Nursing Practice

Learn about key findings from NSO and CNA’s new report, Nurse Professional Liability Exposure Claim Report: 4th Edition: Minimizing Risk, Achieving Excellence

Nurse Video Case Study: Failure to assess and monitor

Failure to complete nursing assessments or adequately monitor patients are some of the most frequent malpractice allegations asserted against nurses. They account for a combined 12.7% of all malpractice claims against nurses, according to the Nurse Professional Liability Exposure Claim Report: 4th Edition. These claims most often involved nurses working in areas of high patient acuity, such as the ED, ICU, and PACU.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to Diagnose

Failure to diagnose is the most frequent malpractice allegation asserted against nurse practitioners. It accounts for 32.8% of all malpractice claims against nurse practitioners, according to the Nurse Practitioner Claim Report: 4th Edition. Failure to diagnose cancer and failure to diagnose infections account for 50% of failure to diagnose allegations.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to diagnose and treat staph infection

This case study involves a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who was employed by an internal medicine practice.

Workplace Violence Prevention: Recommendations for Nurses

Nurses are at increased risk for experiencing workplace violence due to their close contact with patients as well as working in an occupational environment marked by stress and burnout.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to warn patient of dangers of testosterone treatment

This case study involves a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who owned an adult wellness clinic, which specialized in hormone replacement for both male and female patients, as well as weight management. The FNP employed the collaborating physician, an OB/GYN, front office staff and two licensed practical nurses.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Untimely management of a behavioral health patient and failure to order the appropriate medication

This case study involves a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) insured by NSO who was employed at a behavioral health/detoxification facility (“facility”).

Nurse Case Study: ICU Charge Nurse allegedly failed to monitor a critical patient and escalate treatment

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare practitioner, including nurses. This case involves a registered nurse working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a Charge Nurse.

The Pandemic and Post-Traumatic Growth in Healthcare

Stress can affect nurses, and other healthcare staff, but it also can affect patient safety. Recent studies suggest overstressed caregivers are more likely to make errors and lower the quality of care. The American Nurses Association Survey of Nurses has documented high levels of stress among practicing nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated work stressors, which may lead to an increase in liability lawsuits, highlighting the need for a greater focus on stress management and self care. Assessing one’s reactivity and “thinking about feeling” is the basis to developing self-awareness and ameliorating stress. Healthcare education programs and employing organizations need to formalize self-care and stress management education in light of the recent pandemic and the need to build a resilient workforce for the future to improve patient safety.

Documenting nursing assessments in the age of EHRs

Nurses have grown accustomed to documenting assessment results in the electronic health record (EHR), rapidly clicking responses to assessment checklist questions. However, at times nurses complete these actions without giving enough thought to their documentation because they want to move on to their “real” work: caring for patients.

Liability considerations as nurse practitioners’ scope of practice expands

The authors of the report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that allowing NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training will improve access to care and health equity. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, released May 2021, calls for eliminating restrictions on the scope of practice of nurse practitioners (NPs).

Nurse Practitioner Case Studies: State Board of Nursing matters involving allegations of a non-clinical nature

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and License Protection Case Studies with Risk Management Strategies, Presented by NSO

Nurse Case Study: Failure to monitor and inadequate documentation in home health setting

RN working in home health setting fails to monitor and properly document ulcer wounds in post-surgical Alzheimer’s patient.

Nurse Case Study: Failure to ensure a safe environment and failure to utilize translator services

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare practitioner, including nurses. This case involves a registered nurse working in an acute care setting.

Nurse License Protection Case Study: Administering medication without an order

Nurses and License Protection Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Presented by NSO

Nurse Practitioner License Protection Case Study: Failure to obtain authority to prescribe under state scope of practice

Nurse Practitioners and License Protection Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Presented by NSO

Meeting the Nurse Staffing Challenge: Retention Tips

Ensuring appropriate nurse staffing levels is key to the financial health of healthcare organizations like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. High quality nursing care helps to reduce the likelihood of patients safety events and costly medical malpractice lawsuits related to missed errors. The second of a two-part series, this article addresses effective retention strategies that leaders can utilize to help reduce turnover of nursing staff.

Full practice authority: What it means for NPs

Recent developments have led to significant progress with achieving full practice authority (FPA) for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States. However, it’s crucial for NPs to understand that FPA comes with professional responsibilities and the need to protect yourself against potential liability. This article provides a general overview of state practice and licensure laws, trends driving FPA, and strategies that NPs can use to reduce potential legal action related to their practice.

Healing and Humor in Nursing: A Path to Resilience

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 
Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Duration: 1 hour

License Protection Scenario: Nurse Reprimanded by Board of Nursing After Supervisor Files Complaint

Legal Defense Costs:  $14,000
Time to Resolve Matter:  2.5 years

Nurse Case Study: Alleged failure to properly assess and monitor the impaired, restrained patient

The patient was intoxicated and aggressive when brought to the ED, and had to be restrained. Shortly after an assessment check, the patient attempted to burn off his restraints with a cigarette lighter. He suffered severe burns over 25 percent of his body, resulting in permanent disability.

Protecting your Nursing License

Understanding the process and how to protect your license is critical to maintaining your career. Our infographic outlines why it is important to protect your nursing license and what it takes to defend it.

Check out the infographic below or download it!
 

How nurses can counter health misinformation

Although recent issues involving health misinformation have emerged related to the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation has been a problem in many other areas related to wellness and healthcare. Misinformation isn’t a new issue, but the internet and social media have supercharged the ability for it to spread. This article helps explain the nature of the problem, why people may be inclined to believe information that is not grounded in science, and what nurses and nurse practitioners can do to counteract misinformation.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to recognize, diagnose and treat cancer

Nurse Practitioners and Medical Malpractice Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Presented by CNA and NSO

Nurse Malpractice Case Study: Administering improper, excessive medication dose and disregard of medication safety

Nurse Medical Malpractice Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Presented by CNA and NSO

Strategies to Prevent Patient Falls and Minimize Liability

Think like an expert witness to minimize the risk of inpatient falls


An 88-year-old patient slips on the floor, falling and breaking his hip. Your immediate concern is getting him the help he needs, but another thought crosses your mind –could you be legally liable for what happened? By thinking like an expert witness, you can help determine if this concern is valid and whether you could have taken steps to prevent the patient fall in the first place. But first, you need to understand some background information.

Reducing legal risks in retirement

Retirement. The word conjures up an image of relaxation and a leisurely lifestyle. But for many nursing professionals, the picture is one of a life nearly as busy as when they were working full-time. Many retirees choose to volunteer, whether it’s responding to disasters, working at a pop-up clinic in an underserved area, answering questions for members of the community, or something else. 

Advancing your career – and minimizing risk

You just landed your first leadership role as a nurse manager. Or perhaps you’re shifting your career from bedside, hospital-based nursing to home care nursing because you’re ready for a new challenge. Congratulations! Advancing your career, whether by taking a leadership position or exploring a new specialty, can lead to enhanced job satisfaction and a bigger paycheck.

Nurse Malpractice Case Study: Administering improper, excessive medication dose and disregard of medication safety

Nurse Medical Malpractice Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Presented by CNA and NSO

Nurse Practitioner Professional Liability Exposure Claim Report: 5th Edition

This Nurse Practitioner Claim Report, released by NSO and CNA, reports that the average total incurred of professional liability claims is $332,137 in 2022. 

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to diagnose tick-borne illness

Diagnosis-related allegations represent a significant area of liability for nurse practitioners (NPs). Diagnosis-related allegations can stem from factors such as the NP’s failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests to establish a diagnosis, failure to obtain a complete patient and family history and thorough patient physical assessment, and/or a lack of sound documentation supporting the decision-making process of the treating NP. This case study involves a nurse practitioner (NP) who was working in an urgent care clinic.

Nurse License Protection Case Study: Falsifying the record of a medication error

A State Board of Nursing (SBON) complaint may be filed against a nurse by a patient, colleague, employer, and/or other regulatory agency, such as the Department of Health. Complaints are subsequently investigated by the SBON in order to ensure that licensed nurses are practicing safely, professionally, and ethically. SBON investigations may lead to outcomes ranging from no action against the nurse to revocation of the nurse’s license to practice. This case study involves a registered nurse (RN) who was working as a traveling nurse on an oncology floor.

When the patient disagrees

Nurses and nurse practitioners take pride in providing detailed information to patients to help them make treatment decisions. But what happens when patients don’t make what you think is the “right” choice? Ultimately, you need to respect the patient’s autonomy and right to choose (self-determination) even if you feel the patient isn’t making the best decision, for example, by refusing an important diagnostic test.

A systematic approach to ethical decision-making for nurses

Throughout their careers, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other nursing professionals will encounter challenging situations at work that present ethical dilemmas. Deciding what to do in these situations can cause significant stress, as the appropriate course of action can vary depending on each unique set of circumstances. This article reviews a model that nursing professionals can use as a guide to help them gain a better understanding of conflicting issues and navigate ethical dilemmas.

Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Data Trends Update: Newly Released Data

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM  – 1:00pm Eastern Daylight Time
Duration: 1 hour*

Safety Considerations for Minimizing Vaccination-Related Errors

Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Time: 3:00 PM  – 4:00pm Eastern Daylight Time
Duration: 1 hour*

Avoiding diagnostic errors: Strategies for nurse practitioners

Diagnosis is an essential part of the nurse practitioner (NP) role. An accurate diagnosis serves as the basis for treatment and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Unfortunately, making a diagnosis can be a complicated process that can lead to errors. An inaccurate or missed diagnosis can result in an NP being named in a lawsuit, which can have professional (loss of job) and personal (loss of income) consequences. In fact, NSO and CNA’s 2022 report, Nurse Practitioner Professional Liability Exposure Claim Report: 5th Edition, notes that diagnosis-related malpractice claims topped the list of reasons for allegations against NPs at 37.1 percent of claims in the report dataset. But by understanding potential sources of error during the diagnostic process, NPs can help ensure patients receive optimal care and reduce their risk of legal liability.

Macroeconomic Trends Influencing the Healthcare and Insurance Industries

Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM  – 4:00pm Eastern Daylight Time
Duration: 1 hour*

Nurse Case Study: Failure to monitor high fall risk ICU patient; failure to educate family on fall prevention

This medical malpractice case study, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a registered nurse working in a critical care setting.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Improper wound care allegedly worsened resident’s pressure injuries

This medical malpractice case study, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a nurse practitioner working as an independent contractor in an aging services setting.

5 Common Legal Issues in Nursing

While registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses (“nurses”) work to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, they may also face a range of potential legal challenges - from malpractice lawsuits to licensing board complaints - that can have a significant impact on their careers and personal lives. By understanding the legal issues that may arise in their practice, nurses can protect themselves and their patients while delivering the best possible care.

5 Common Legal Issues in Nursing

While registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses (“nurses”) work to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, they may also face a range of potential legal challenges - from malpractice lawsuits to licensing board complaints - that can have a significant impact on their careers and personal lives. By understanding the legal issues that may arise in their practice, nurses can protect themselves and their patients while delivering the best possible care.

Substance use disorders and drug diversion among nurses

Drug diversion occurs when a healthcare clinician diverts a drug intended for a patient for their own purposes. Clinicians steal drugs to sell or use themselves because they are suffering from substance use disorder (SUD).

Workarounds: 6 ways nurse leaders can reduce their risks

Nurses must contend with many competing demands during a typical shift (delivering care to patients, educating families, communicating with other members of the healthcare team, to name just a few), often causing them to seek ways to compress everything they must do into a short time frame.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to screen and test for lead poisoning, leading to a delay in diagnosis

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare provider, including nurse practitioners. This medical malpractice case study with risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (CPNP-PC) working in a pediatric practice.

Nurse case study: Float nurse’s failure to follow sepsis protocol guidelines and institute chain of command contributes to extensive patient injury

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare practitioner, including nurses. This medical malpractice case study with risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a registered nurse working in a hospital emergency department setting.

Nurse case study: Float nurse’s failure to follow sepsis protocol guidelines and institute chain of command contributes to extensive patient injury

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare practitioner, including nurses. This medical malpractice case study with risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a registered nurse working in a hospital emergency department setting.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to screen and test for lead poisoning, leading to a delay in diagnosis

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare provider, including nurse practitioners. This medical malpractice case study with risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (CPNP-PC) working in a pediatric practice.

4 Common Nurse Charting Mistakes to Avoid (Part 2)

Following nurse documentation best practices helps keep your patients safe and ensures that you are complying with your employer’s policies – and avoiding potential legal consequences such as a malpractice lawsuit.

Understanding the Nurse Practice Act: NCSBN’s Guide to Reducing Your Liability

Date: Thursday, August 10, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM ET – 4:00pm ET
Duration: 1 hour*

Nurse Practitioner License Protection Case Study: Failure to document medication management in EHR

A State Board of Nursing (SBON) complaint may be filed against a nurse practitioner (NP) by a patient, a patient’s family member, colleague, employer, and/or other regulatory agency, such as the Department of Health. Complaints are subsequently investigated by the SBON to ensure that licensed nursing professionals are practicing safely, professionally, and ethically. SBON investigations may lead to outcomes ranging from no action against the NP to revocation of the NP’s license to practice. Therefore, when a complaint is asserted against an NP to the SBON, NPs must be equipped with the resources to adequately defend themselves. Being unprepared may represent the difference between an NP retaining or losing one’s license. This case study involves a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMH-NP) who was working in an outpatient psychiatry practice.

A Guide to Your Nurse Practice Act

Nursing professionals have a wide range of valuable resources to help them in their jobs, such as organizational policies and procedures and databases of clinical practice guidelines. Many nursing professionals use these on a regular basis to help them deliver quality care. But they tend to overlook one essential practice resource — the nurse practice act (NPA). As the name implies, a state’s or jurisdiction’s NPA provides guidance for practice; adhering to the provisions of the act makes the nurse less vulnerable to legal action. Here’s what you need to know about NPAs.

A Guide to Your Nurse Practice Act

Nursing professionals have a wide range of valuable resources to help them in their jobs, such as organizational policies and procedures and databases of clinical practice guidelines. Many nursing professionals use these on a regular basis to help them deliver quality care. But they tend to overlook one essential practice resource — the nurse practice act (NPA). As the name implies, a state’s or jurisdiction’s NPA provides guidance for practice; adhering to the provisions of the act makes the nurse less vulnerable to legal action. Here’s what you need to know about NPAs.

Essential tips for mentoring new nurses

Nursing shortages are persistent, and because of turnover, many in the current workforce are less familiar with the organizations they work for and less experienced in nursing. Travel nurses are a mainstay in many areas of the country, and nurses who are newer in the field are often being called on to serve as mentors early in their careers. Mentorship is a key part of helping new nurses to be successful in their current jobs and in their careers. It also helps with retention, which benefits all nurses working in an organization.

Essential tips for mentoring new nurses

Nursing shortages are persistent, and because of turnover, many in the current workforce are less familiar with the organizations they work for and less experienced in nursing. Travel nurses are a mainstay in many areas of the country, and nurses who are newer in the field are often being called on to serve as mentors early in their careers. Mentorship is a key part of helping new nurses to be successful in their current jobs and in their careers. It also helps with retention, which benefits all nurses working in an organization.

Questions you should ask before volunteering

Volunteering is a great way for nursing professionals, including registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs), to get involved in their communities and to support causes that are important to them. However, there are some operational and legal considerations that nurses should investigate before agreeing to take on a volunteer position. This article will review some questions nurses should ask prior to taking on a volunteer position. It will also review some of the legal protections for nurses who are volunteering, and when those legal protections generally do and don’t apply.

Questions you should ask before volunteering

Volunteering is a great way for nursing professionals, including registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs), to get involved in their communities and to support causes that are important to them. However, there are some operational and legal considerations that nurses should investigate before agreeing to take on a volunteer position. This article will review some questions nurses should ask prior to taking on a volunteer position. It will also review some of the legal protections for nurses who are volunteering, and when those legal protections generally do and don’t apply.

Incident reports: A safety tool

Nurses tend to cringe when they think about completing an incident report. Reasons for this reaction include the distress that occurs when something untoward has happened, anticipated loss of precious time to complete the report (particularly if the organization’s reporting system is cumbersome), and fear of being blamed for the incident or becoming embroiled in a court case. In this situation, it’s easy to forget that incident reports are a valuable resource for keeping patients safe. They also can keep employees safe by identifying system-wide problems such as insufficient staffing or equipment to move patients, which often contributes to staff injuries.

Incident reports: A safety tool

Nurses tend to cringe when they think about completing an incident report. Reasons for this reaction include the distress that occurs when something untoward has happened, anticipated loss of precious time to complete the report (particularly if the organization’s reporting system is cumbersome), and fear of being blamed for the incident or becoming embroiled in a court case. In this situation, it’s easy to forget that incident reports are a valuable resource for keeping patients safe. They also can keep employees safe by identifying system-wide problems such as insufficient staffing or equipment to move patients, which often contributes to staff injuries.

Do’s and don’ts of defensive documentation in the EHR

Documenting care is a basic nursing responsibility, but it’s one that nurses often struggle with because of time constraints and challenges associated with electronic health records (EHRs), such as poor user interfaces that leave nurses unclear as to where to document findings. However, taking time to document correctly and completely provides the first line of defense should you be named in a lawsuit.

Do’s and don’ts of defensive documentation in the EHR

Documenting care is a basic nursing responsibility, but it’s one that nurses often struggle with because of time constraints and challenges associated with electronic health records (EHRs), such as poor user interfaces that leave nurses unclear as to where to document findings. However, taking time to document correctly and completely provides the first line of defense should you be named in a lawsuit.

Nurse Practitioner Case Study: Failure to diagnosis blood clot resulting in irreversible ischemia, below the knee amputation

Patient non-adherence can come in many forms: inability or unwillingness to follow a course of therapy, repeated missed appointments, rejecting treatment recommendations, reluctance to take medications, refusal to provide information, or chronic late payments. If left unaddressed, such conduct may result in adverse patient outcomes and even litigation. This medical malpractice case study and risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who worked in a nurse practitioner office setting.

PACU Nurse Case Study: Failure to follow accepted nursing standards when calculating a patient’s discharge score

This medical malpractice case study and risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves an insured registered nurse (RN) who was employed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for an outpatient surgery center.

PACU Nurse Case Study: Failure to follow accepted nursing standards when calculating a patient’s discharge score

This medical malpractice case study and risk management strategies, presented by NSO and CNA, involves an insured registered nurse (RN) who was employed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for an outpatient surgery center.

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