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Malpractice of Nurses in Healthcare: An Annotated Bibliography
Taylor Edwards
Liberty University
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Introduction:
There are many roles in healthcare that can run into malpractice issues. The one I have chosen is
Nursing. Nurses play a viable role in healthcare and are responsible for giving safe and efficient care to
patients. However, if malpractice by nurses does occur it can lead to harm or even death of patients.
This annotated bibliography investigates the issue of malpractice of nurses in healthcare and provides a
review of sources on the topic. The purpose is to identify the factors that impact malpractice and to
explore ways to prevent it.
Scholarly Sources:
Allen, D., & Gilmore, M. (2018). Malpractice claims involving nurses: A descriptive analysis. Journal of
Healthcare Risk Management, 38(2), 23-32. doi: 10.1002/jhrm.21343
The article describes an informative analysis of malpractice claims involving nurses in the United
States. This study found that the most common claims were related to medication errors,
patient assessments and falls. Most claims involve registered nurses, who work in hospitals and
nursing homes. This article highlights the importance of identifying the factors that contribute to
these errors and helps address them in order to improve patient safety and reduce claims
against nurses.
Blegen, M. A., Vaughn, T., & Vojir, C. P. (2019). Nurse staffing levels: Impact of organizational
characteristics and registered nurse staffing on patient mortality, nurse outcomes, and nurse retention.
Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(5), 249-255. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000747
The article studies the impact that nurse staffing levels have on patient mortality. The study
found that having a higher RN staffing level was linked with lower patient mortality rates. This
study also found that having a higher staffing rate showed fewer nurse job dissatisfaction and
burnouts. This article highlights the importance of adequate staffing levels to improve patient
outcomes and nurse well-being.
Darr, K., & Astle, B. (2018). Preventing malpractice by nurses. Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting, 29(3), 9-
14.
This article talks about ways nurses can prevent malpractice claims. The authors suggest obeying
professional standards of care, providing good communication with patients, staying within
their scope of practice and training level, and seeking help when needed will help prevent
malpractice. The article also states how the importance of accurate documentation can help
fight malpractice claims.
Hatcher, B. J., & Munday, A. (2019). The importance of effective communication in preventing nursing
malpractice. Nursing Economics, 37(4), 189-195.
The authors claim that poor communication between nurses, patients, and other healthcare
professionals can lead to misunderstandings, and medical errors. This article suggests that good
communication skills can help nurses build trusting relationships with patients which can help
lead to prevent malpractice. The authors also emphasize the importance in advocating for
patient safety.
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Kilinc, E., & Beser, A. (2020). Ethical problems encountered by nurses and nursing students: A systematic
review. Nursing Ethics, 27(6), 1432-1448. doi: 10.1177/0969733020907598
This study found that the most common ethical issues faced by nurses and nursing students are
patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life care, and professional boundaries. The authors
suggest that adding comprehensive education and training programs that are relevant to
nursing practice could reduce unethical decisions made by nurses. The article emphasizes the
importance of ensuring high-quality nursing care and promoting patient safety.
Kramer, M., & Schmalenberg, C. (2019). Magnet hospital nurses describe control over nursing practice.
Western Journal of Nursing Research, 41(3), 344-362. doi: 10.1177/0193945918778275
This study found that nurses in Magnet hospitals reported a higher level of control over their
practice. These nurses described having a greater degree of autonomy, and a bigger influence
over decision-making. The article highlights the significance of having supportive leadership, and
professional development opportunities. The authors suggest that nurses who take control of
their practice can improve job satisfaction and have a greater outcome in patient care.
Li, Y., & Li, J. (2020). Investigating the causes of nursing malpractice: A mixed-methods study. BMC
Health Services Research, 20(1), 721. doi: 10.1186/s12913-020-05634-9
The study in this article found that the most common causes of nursing malpractice were
related to medication and documentation errors, lack of communication, and lacking staffing
levels. The authors suggest that the main causes of factors are insufficient education and
training, organizational culture, and lack of support and sources for nurses. This article highlights
the importance of having proactive strategies including quality improvement initiatives, risk
management, and continuous education and training programs.
Pape, T. M. (2019). Exploring the role of the electronic health record in nursing malpractice. Journal of
Healthcare Risk Management, 39(4), 21-28. doi: 10.1002/jhrm.21412
The article explores the role that electronic health records have in nursing malpractice. The
study found that EHRs can be a contributing factor to malpractice when not used efficiently.
EHRs can lead to errors when they are not updated in a timely manner or when critical
information is not entered correctly. This article also emphasizes the importance of training, as
well as proper documentation practices
Biblical Sources:
Exodus 23:9 (New International Version) "Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels
to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt."
This passage from the book of Exodus emphasizes treating others with fairness and compassion.
It can be applied to nursing practice when reminding nurses to treat all patients with respect
and kindness, regardless of their background or circumstances.
James 1:27 (New International Version) "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is
this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the
world."
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This passage from the book of James states the importance of caring for others, particularly
those who are vulnerable and need help. It can be applied to nursing practice, by reminding
nurses to prioritize the wellness of their patients and to have compassionate care.
Analysis:
The sources I have reviewed highlight malpractice by nurses in healthcare. I have mentioned
the factors that contribute to malpractice such as staffing levels, communication, ethical decision-
making, and the use of electronic health records. I have discussed strategies to help prevent malpractice
include comprehensive training, promoting nursing autonomy, and prioritizing patient safety. The
biblical passages also provide the importance of treating others with fairness and compassion.
