Can u get sued for giving wrong advice?

VikaRN · Jan 31, 2008

btw..... i mean like your own family member.. not someone in the hospital(just to be clear) :) :specs:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

Anyone can sue anyone. And if you are diagnosing you are acting beyond your scope. SO yes.

elkpark · Jan 31, 2008

I assume that the "you" you're talking about is a licensed person (RN or LPN), right? The (theoretical) answer is yes. Doesn't mean that it would happen, but it certainly could. The issue is practicing outside the scope of your practice (diagnosing and/or treating a condition).

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

Yes, lawsuits happen. This is the reason why I don't inform strangers that I'm a nurse. In addition, I answer most medical advice questions with a standard reply of "I don't know. You need to see your doctor for more information on that issue."

CHATSDALE · Jan 31, 2008

some advice on giving advice DON'T *DON'T EVER *

Trauma Columnist · Jan 31, 2008

I'm an advanced practice nurse and unless I have an established nurse/pt relationship, nope, no advice except to see your physician. I am usually asked when I'm in church =- lol.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 31, 2008

Most lay people think that nurses are supposed to be walking dictionaries at their disposal to answer all of their questions about medications, treatments and their medical ailments. I desperately try my best to avoid situations where people wish to be in my presence because they feel assured that since I am a nurse, I can take care of them at parties, weddings, family reunions and churches. The minute I hear "I want you to come, because so and so is sick; at least you are a nurse"...I back away from the situation. One of my girlfriends told me two days ago that I am being ultra paranoid, because I am not obligated to intervene in social situations. Whether that is true or not, the point to me is that I don't even wish to deal with the unpleasentries of their animosity.

These days, people want to sue if you are wearing the wrong colored clothing. I'd rather be safe than sorry and tell them to see their own doctor. I was reading a book the other day that stated that even if I were to 'recommend' a good doctor for a particular circumstance, I could be considered as practicing without a license. Hey...nursing is all that I know, and I am not losing my only source of living to risk it.

Psqrd · Feb 1, 2008

I've always heard that you could be liable for advice if; The advice you give in anyway delays, discourages, or otherwise makes the person feel that a visit to their Doctor is not necessary and something bad happens...then it could be potentially bye bye house, car, savings and or job.

P2

bollweevil · Feb 1, 2008

Most lay people think that nurses are supposed to be walking dictionaries at their disposal to answer all of their questions about medications, treatments and their medical ailments. I desperately try my best to avoid situations where people wish to be in my presence because they feel assured that since I am a nurse, I can take care of them at parties, weddings, family reunions and churches. The minute I hear "I want you to come, because so and so is sick; at least you are a nurse"...I back away from the situation. One of my girlfriends told me two days ago that I am being ultra paranoid, because I am not obligated to intervene in social situations. Whether that is true or not, the point to me is that I don't even wish to deal with the unpleasentries of their animosity.
These days, people want to sue if you are wearing the wrong colored clothing. I'd rather be safe than sorry and tell them to see their own doctor. I was reading a book the other day that stated that even if I were to 'recommend' a good doctor for a particular circumstance, I could be considered as practicing without a license. Hey...nursing is all that I know, and I am not losing my only source of living to risk it.

Wrong colors? Nah, that's when they kill you. Gang colors, I mean.