In Or Out Of Scope - A Nursing Dilemma
The scope of work when it comes to the duties and responsibilities of a nurse may actually vary depending on the state and the institution where he or she works in. What is important to understand is the fact that every state and institution has its governing laws when it comes to the practice if nursing as a profession.
There are in fact a set of guide questions which a nursing professional may follow to identify whether something is in scope or out of score of his or her practice at work as a registered nurse.
Related Content
Below is a list of common questions in identifying the above condition:
1) Is the act something which is forbidden or illegal by the practice as identified by the state where the professional is practicing as a nurse?
2) Is the ability something which was acquired through formal education - whether it was something which was taught in school or was acquired in a continuing education activity or and had been completed with proper training in the clinical field?
3) Is the act or the procedure itself stipulated in the policy or guide of the institution which one is practicing as a registered nurse?
4) Is the "Prudent and Reasonable" standard in nursing met when it comes to administering or executing this act or procedure?
Related Content
Should the nurse still have hesitations or doubts that the criteria was not met, then it will be best to get confirmation and verify from the institution where one is working for to make sure that nothing out of scope or practice is actually done. It is always best to check out and always refer to policies as these are always available and cover the necessary information that one needs to know.
