HCA Sues Nursing School After Student’s Mistake Allegedly Kills Elderly Patient

A recent lawsuit filed by HCA Florida West Marion Hospital against Rasmussen University highlights critical concerns about nursing student supervision and patient safety protocols that affect the entire nursing profession. The case involves the death of an 82-year-old patient allegedly resulting from improper actions by a nursing student during clinical training.

According to court documents filed on September 11, 2025, Marion Community Hospital, Inc. (MCH) claims that Steven Knowles, then a nursing student and now a registered nurse, moved an elderly patient into a bed without proper assistance or authorization in April 2023. This unauthorized transfer allegedly resulted in the patient falling and sustaining severe head injuries that ultimately led to her death.

The hospital's complaint outlines several concerning details about the incident. The patient wasn't even assigned to the floor where Knowles was conducting his clinical rotation, raising questions about proper student assignment and supervision protocols. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Knowles failed to check the patient's condition before attempting the transfer and acted without necessary assistance, training, or supervision from qualified staff.

The hospital's lawsuit specifically targets Rasmussen University for alleged inadequate supervision and insufficient training, claiming the school failed to properly prepare and monitor its students during hospital rotations.

As this lawsuit progresses through the legal system, nursing professionals should monitor the outcomes closely. The resolution may significantly influence how nursing programs structure their clinical experiences and how hospitals manage student nurses in their facilities.

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