Joint Commission response to the recent Tennessee nurse conviction

This response may be attributed to: Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer and chief nurse executive, The Joint Commission

While those without immediate knowledge may never know all the facts, this is a tragedy that affected many lives. At the center, of course, is the patient, whose life was lost. So, too, the life of the nurse involved is forever changed. She will never forget this tragic outcome, just as she will never continue in the profession for which she trained. 

We not only need more nurses than ever before but need safer systems that provide mechanisms to prevent harm that results in tragic outcomes for both patients and caregivers.  

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