Ever have one of your patients threaten to sue? Scared!

[nurscee]

One of my patients threatened to sue the hospital. Now I'm scared to death. Worried about everything I did the day I had him. I'm a fairly new nurse. Thinking of getting out of the hospital business all together.

By the way, I'm a med/surg nurse.

I feel like a peach pit is stuck in my stomach. Don't know if I have the fortitude to be a hospital nurse. :chair: nurscee

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

If I had a $20 for every time I heard a "patient" (or child, spouse, SO, great grand nephew etc... of a patient) use the word sue...(not just me, but the city, county, hospital, doctor, etc.) We could all be "having" this conversation in Cabo! It is usually out of anger, manipulation, frustration or just being drunk!

I have never been sued.

Anybody can sue anybody for any/and or no reason. All you need is the filing fee (and a lawyer sometimes helps, too). :) Success is another issue. But, keep in mind a plaintiff does not need to be successful to cost you $$$. The costs associated with a defense (if you were named in a legit action) could be plenty. In the event of a truly tragic loss, I'd get my "own" lawyer without any delay. If it comes right down to it - blame will be passed about, do not expect anyone (hospital, doctors, others) to protect you.

Many statues of limitations have time specific rules as to when an action must be filed. They range from 1 - 7 years (state/federal specific) from the date of injury. Exceptions are minors. They have till the age of majority (18) plus the SOL. Other issues require duty/negilence/damage are necessary. Really, a fairly difficult process.

Now, advice. RELAX. Practice good, safe nursing, document well, follow standards of practice. Participate in your facilities reporting practices (just the facts, no opinions). If you try to practice nursing in a "defensive" manner, you will simply drive yourself crazy!

Next, purchase your own Liability Insurance that is event specific (not time). You could be out of nursing/not with same employer and then receive notice of action. If your liability insurance is time/policy driven - the policy may not be in force at time of action.

Very few nurses are ever sued as individuals. But with the trend in litigation to name anyone/everyone as defendants - it could happen. Would it be successful? Not very likely. But I can imagine the worst case scenario without too much imagination. :uhoh21:

Although its not a major factor in my decision to leave nursing, I do think about it from time to time. Ask me when I finish law school.