The Increased Number of Malpractice Suits

In our litigious society, the number of malpractice suits against physicians, particularly OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists, have skyrocketed in the past decade. Because of these suits, physicians are required to pay increased insurance premiums, and some potential physicians have been scared away from going into medicine.

While malpractice suits are usually aimed at physicians, nurses are not immune. RNs and other certified nurses need to be aware of the trend in malpractice suits that doctors are facing. This trend could lead to a decreased need for nurses in doctor's offices (because they are not willing to pay the salary, due to their insurance premiums) and increased responsibilities in hospitals, to alleviate the physician shortage.