The charge nurse is aware that some staff nurses routinely "short-cut" assessment activities for long-term patients. In case of a negative patient outcome related to this practice, does the charge nurse hold any liability?
1. No, these are licensed nurses who are responsible for their own practice.
2. Yes, but only if the charge nurse has documented previous suspicion of "short-cutting."
3. No, the liability is limited to the staff nurses and the facility.
4. Yes, the charge nurse has a duty to ensure staff competency.
4
Rationale: Team leaders/nurse managers have a duty to ensure that staff members under their supervision are practicing in a competent manner. Knowingly allowing a staff member to function below the acceptable standard of care opens both the nurse manager and the institution to potential liability.
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