Peer review in a nursing negligence/malpractice investigation process?

[babiesX2]

I'm not familiar with this process since I've never been asked to peer review another nurse or group of nurses.

I'm looking for insight into how this process works.

Is a case scenario of the events given (including nursing interventions both good and bad), and the peer reviewer answers what they would have done if they were the assigned nurse?

Or

Is a case scenario with the pt's signs, symptoms, and outcomes given and the peer reviewer is asked what actions he/she would have taken had they been the assigned nurse?

Also

Do any nurses here know of anyone who has ever been disciplined by this type of process?

Thanks!

[babiesX2]

Did I phrase my question appropriately? I'm eaten up with anxiety!

[SCGreywolf]

It differs with each hospital. Usually you are presented with a scenario, the actions taken and the morbidity/end result for the patient. You are then asked to review and comment on whether or not YOU 1. would do the same thing the same way, 2. advise a co-worker to do the same thing, 3. feel the actions were 'not right' but acceptable or outside the scope of nursing practice as PRACTICED IN THAT INSTITUTION AND AS PER THEIR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Forget what they do in Atlanta or New York. What you must determine is whether or not the co-worker's action or inaction is acceptable by the hospital's policies and procedures and the state Nursing Act for your state.

Just for instance....in the hospital I worked at last year, I could put in feeding tubes and NG tubes. Feeding tubes required a ABD X-ray but it was still a nursing function. Where I am at right now, NG tubes have to be confirmed by x-ray.....and the docs have to put feeding tubes in by endoscope. One hospital I would be applauded for nursing intervention and the other, I would be fired. Stupid but that's the way the world works.

Good luck....and be clinical in your judgement. Don't think "what am I doing to this fellow nurse". Judge the case by it's merits, not your heart. Believe me, if the state Board gets involved, they HAVE no heart. And a civil jury ALWAYS leans toward the patient and the results.

Be proud that your supervisors think enough of your judgement and skills that they selected you......and make sure that your statements are kept confidential. Oh yeah...DON'T discuss the case with anyone..not your co-workers,not your neighbors, NOBODY!!!! You could be held liable if any info gets out to the people involved.

The wolf.

[babiesX2]

Thanks for the info Grey Wolf!