In Defense of Defensive Nursing Practice

The practice of defensive medicine is a much debated topic today. The economist wail about the unwanted cost thrust upon the consumer, i.e., the patient. The health administrators bemoan that it causes unnecessary burden on the limited resources which would otherwise be used judiciously. What everyone turns a blind eye to is a drastic overhaul in the perception of seekers of health care. Health providers have assumed death-defying culture. The litigious society going for "swapping the fly by a hammer" has become intolerant. Gone are the days when the medical profession was considered noble. Now this nobility is found only in lectures and text books. Beyond all this commotion undoubtedly accelerated by ‘lawyers chasing doctors’ people have forgotten the fact that defensive is not only protecting the flanks but providing provision for additional service as well, particularly in the context of nursing care. This is what is discussed in this paper.