Neuroscience critical care: the role of the advanced practice nurse in patient safety.

The Institute of Medicine report published in 1999 described a healthcare system in which 44,000 to 98,000 patients die each year from preventable medical errors. The healthcare industry has been charged with identifying and ameliorating risks to patients. The advanced practice nurse is in the optimal position to influence the patient care environment and contribute to a culture of patient safety. This article will review the role of the advanced practice nurse in the care of the neuroscience patient in identifying risks unique to this at-risk population. There will be a discussion of risk factors that contribute to errors, with advanced practice nurse-driven, evidence-based solutions. A case presentation of the role of the advanced practice nurse in reducing the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in the craniotomy patients with malignant tumors will be discussed.