Malpractice and the neonatal intensive-care nurse

Perinatal nursing has become a specialty vulnerable to litigation, due to parents' high expectations of health care providers' ability to monitor for adverse events and intervene appropriately to prevent harm. When a neonate is injured during the perinatal period, a frequent response is to look for someone to blame. Neonatal nursing is considered a specialty area, requiring specialized knowledge and training. By adhering to recognized and accepted internal and external policies, neonatal nurses will uphold the standard of care set for their area of practice and avoid legal liability.