NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

Malpractice for school nurses is determined by evaluating their actions against prudent person standards. This means that the nurse's conduct is assessed based on what a reasonable and competent nurse would have done in a similar situation. The standards consider the norms and expectations of the nursing profession, taking into account factors such as the specific circumstances of the case, the nurse's experience, education, and the complexity of the care being provided.

Prudent person standards serve as a benchmark for assessing whether the nurse acted appropriately or if their actions fell below the acceptable standard of care, which may result in harm to a student. This assessment is critical in identifying negligence, as it focuses on the actions taken rather than the nurse’s experience or the policies of the agency they work for.

While agency policies and peer reviews can provide context about a nurse’s performance, they are not the sole determining factors for malpractice. The core evaluation centers on the adherence to established professional standards and practices that prioritize student safety and well-being.