Question

what is a reasonable prudent nurse? Discuss the concept of the reasonably prudent nurse in defining standards of care.

Answer 1

What is a reasonable prudent nurse?

A nurse that uses good judgment in providing nursing care according to accepted standards and that another nurse with similar education and experience in similar circumstances would provide.

Discuss the concept of the reasonably prudent nurse in defining standards of care.

Standards of care in nursing are important because they recognize the trusted role that a nurse plays. These standards are considered the baseline for quality care. They must be developed while assessing the state and federal rules, regulations and laws that govern the practice of nursing. Other agencies and organizations may also assist in the development of these standards. Standards of care apply equally to nurses in various settings. They govern the nurse’s practice at every level of care. The legal definition of the standard of care for nurses is defined as that of what a reasonable and prudent nurse would do when caring for a same or similar patient in the same or similar circumstances. The reason for having such a general definition is to allow for changes in the manner in which nursing is practiced. Guidelines and hospital policies and procedures are more specific but may change from year to year. The standard of care by which medical care providers will be judged is what a reasonably prudent, similar medical care provider would do in the same or similar circumstances. It is important to note that the standard of care described does not measure a medical care provider by what a ‘preeminent’ or a ‘foremost’ or even an ‘excellent’ medical care provider would do. Rather, the standard of care looks to the ‘reasonably prudent’ medical care provider.