Authors

  1. Painter, Lisa M. MSN, RN
  2. Dudjak, Linda A. PhD, RN

Abstract

Malpractice claims analysis offers valuable insight into nursing practice. A review of 16 malpractice claims involving 19 RNs identified their characteristics, actions, and behaviors that contributed to monetary compensation. Most events involved failure to perform a timely assessment and intervention. Relationships were found among nurses' characteristics and the severity of patient injury. Malpractice claims analysis affords nursing leaders the opportunity to involve RNs in correcting deficiencies that contribute to practice errors.