Diana J. Mason's editorial on medical error as crime was disturbing ("Good Nurse-Bad Nurse," March). Jasmine Gant's death was a preventable tragedy, but it may not be difficult for many nurses to imagine themselves in nurse Julie Thao's place.

I contend that Thao does not bear sole responsibility for this error. The hospital that fired her is also to blame. Granted, Thao did not follow the hospital's safety protocols. But why not? Was she working around inefficient safety procedures? Had she had insufficient time to schedule training? Did she lack the proper equipment? Administrators expect nurses to be flexible and work through difficulties, but rarely do they provide more staff. Thao made a lethal error by not checking the label before administering the drug, a quick action that would have saved a life and one that other nurses, under certain circumstances, could also neglect. I grieve for Thao, as I do for the Gant family.

Suzie Morrow, MSN, RN

Springfield, MO

Editor's note: St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, reached a settlement in mid-May with Jasmine Gant's family. Gant's infant son, Gregory, who was delivered by cesarean section after his mother's death, was the primary beneficiary of a $1.9 million settlement, according to a variety of news sources. A trust fund has been established for him; the settlement was paid by the hospital and the Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.