OR Nurse Liability?

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Specializes in OR.

Hello! I have been lurking on this site for about 1 year and decided to finally join! I am really interested in the OR but am wondering about nursing liability. I know that the nurse is in charge of a lot, but I've heard that since the surgeon is in the room he is "the captain of the ship" so most of liabilty rests with him. Is this a myth? Just like to know what I'm getting into before I take the plunge to the OR! Thanks! :loveya:

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Nurses do get sued. Get your own in case your hospital chooses not to cover you. It costs only $100 a year.

If you make a mistake during surgery, the surgeon will blame you.

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Specializes in US Army.

The surgeons are quick to take short cuts, but pass blame even quicker if something goes wrong... As an OR nurse you have to enforce the standard or you'll be the first one thrown under the bus.

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Specializes in OR, community nursing.

When the patient wants to sue, everyone in the room will be called in by the lawyers. Just check a few stories in the news that involve surgeries, you will find that everyone will be named. That's why it's everyone's responsibility to ensure the patient safety is top priority.

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