The three most common errors in family nursing: how to avoid or sidestep.

In this article, the authors offer what they believe to be the three most common errors or mistakes in relational family nursing practice. Each error is described, followed by practical suggestions on how the mistake or error can be avoided. A clinical case vignette for each error is also given, with useful ideas of how the mistakes could have been avoided or sidestepped. By sidestepping and avoiding the most prevalent mistakes, nurses can not only sustain but also improve their nursing care of families and thus prevent unnecessary anguish and suffering of family members and possible shame, guilt, or embarrassment on the part of the nurse.