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Patients and their families expect miracles - and are too quick to launch legal action when they do not happen, nurses say.Unrealistic expectations are fostered by TV shows like Holby City, the Royal College of Nursing conference heard.
And nurses even said some people were being put off joining the profession because of the issue.
Patient representatives said, on the whole, patients were forgiving and didn't like to complain.
Blame culture
The number of legal claims topped 6,000 last year - a rise of more than 10% in 12 months.
The NHS Litigation Authority bill now stands at £769m a year.
John Hill, an A&E nurse in Scunthorpe, said: "In A&E it is sometimes a fact that sadly we cannot get people through the trauma they have received.
"Unfortunately, unlike in Holby City, I am a mere mortal and cannot perform miracles.
"But many relatives believe because of that, you can. And the injury lawyers assure them that if you don't they will get recompense for it."
Marcia Turnham, from Cambridgeshire, said the litigious culture meant nurses were having to fill out more and more paper work, which took them away from patients.
She added: "Sometimes the expectations of the patient and the relatives are high and to meet those expectations with the time and resources we have available, it doesn't always match up.
"That could result in a complaint and whether you are at fault or not, you feel very, very guilty."
It can make people lose confidence and make nurses question everything they are doing.
"To have to second guess yourself all the time is not pleasant."
Jane Bovey, from Wiltshire, added the issue could have disastrous consequences.
"I am afraid we will fail to recruit sufficient nurses."
Catherine Murphy of The Patients Association said: "It's a difficult profession to be in because so much is expected of nurses.
"Patients see nurses as their advocates and rely on them. However, nurses often do not have the time because there is so much bureaucracy attached to their role.
"Patients do not want to complain and they are very forgiving."This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.