Mary Ellen Bouve

Experience with most medical and surgical diagnoses, including sepsis, birth trauma, pulmonary hypertension, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), prematurity, wound care, IV infiltration/extravasation, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), abdominal wall defects, cardiac defects, neurologic disorders, metabolic disorders, rare genetic disorders, and multi system failure. Routinely care for patients on multiple modes of ventilation, and/or with tracheostomies, chest tubes, gastric tubes, and central lines.

When approaching a new medical malpractice case, I begin by clearly defining the scope of the assignment, including the jurisdiction, the role of the expert, the alleged breaches of care, the relevant timeframe, and the specific deliverables requested. I ensure there are no conflicts of interest. I evaluate the nursing care delivered, with particular attention to nursing assessments, vital sign trends, medication administration, provider notifications, changes in patient condition, and the timing and accuracy of documentation. I analyze nursing actions and decisions based on what a reasonably prudent nurse with similar training would have known and done under the same circumstances. I review the Nurse Practice Act in the state where the care was delivered. I make note of any policies or guidelines that would assist in my decision-making. Finally, I call my attorney client to discuss my opinions and next steps.

Deposition and Testimony experience (for both plaintiff and defense) as a NICU nurse expert in medical malpractice cases for infants from birth to 8 months old. Able to opine on the standard of care for all NICU levels, from a Newborn Nursery to a Level IV NICU.

ASN, Massachusetts Bay College, 1998 BSN, Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2011

Registered Nurse Critical Care Certification, Neonatal (CCRN_N)