title: The clinical nurse specialist as expert witness.
abstract: A clinical nurse specialist is an ideal expert witness in cases alleging nursing negligence. Nurses choose to serve in this capacity for a variety of reasons. As an expert witness, a clinical nurse specialist may act as a consultant, review medical records, give depositions, translate medical jargon, testify in court, educate attorneys, suggest questions for attorneys to ask of witnesses, and provide opinions about the standard of care a client received. Guidelines for qualifications of an expert, reviewing medical records, preparing opinions, and testifying are given. Reactions to serving as an expert are discussed.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D003253:Consultants; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D012380:Role