Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

If a nurse is found negligent, who is held responsible under the doctrine of respondeat superior?

1. The nurse herself

2. The nurse's immediate supervisor

3. The nurse's employer

4. The health care facility

The correct answer is: The nurse's employer

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the employer is held responsible for the negligent actions of its employees that occur within the scope of their employment. This legal principle establishes that an organization, such as a healthcare facility, has a duty to ensure that its employees are adequately trained and that proper protocols are followed. When a nurse is negligent while performing duties as part of their job, the liability extends beyond just the individual nurse. It includes the employer because they are responsible for the actions performed by their staff during work-related activities. By holding the employer accountable, this doctrine aims to encourage the healthcare organization to implement better training, oversight, and risk management practices to prevent future incidents of negligence. In this context, while the nurse may face personal consequences such as disciplinary action or the loss of licensure, the employer, or the healthcare facility, bears the legal liability in civil cases. This legal framework underscores the importance of creating a safe work environment and holding employers accountable for their employees’ actions.