The RN scope of practice can be very broad, and can vary from state to state and from institution to institution. Each state has laws regarding what is appropriate for different types of nursing professionals to do.
Individual institutions also have policy manuals that describe the scope of practice for the different types of medical and nursing professionals that work there, which may be more restrictive than those of the state.
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Many states have a list of questions that an RN should ask his or herself to determine whether something is within the RN scope of practice where they work.
Some of the common questions that are used to determine whether something is included within an RN's job include:
1) Is this specifically prohibited by the nurse practice act of the state where the nurse is practicing?
2) Is the skill something you were taught to do in your basic nursing education, or in any continuing education program that you have completed which included clinical training?
3) Is this procedure listed in the policy manuals for the institution where your work?
4) Does this task pass the "Prudent and Reasonable" standard for nursing?
If a nurse is still unsure after asking the appropriate questions whether a particular task falls under their area of practice, they can request verification from their state nursing board as to whether or not a particular task falls under their responsibility.
The RN duties usually includes things such as assessing the health of individuals and coming up with appropriate nursing health plans to meet any health care needs that have been identified. RNs usually work with other health care professionals and physicians to provide appropriate health care and education to individuals under their care.
As different states have different regulations, it is important to check with the nursing laws in the state where a nurse is practicing to figure out exactly what is and is not within an RN's area or responsibility.
Many questions can be answered just by checking out the appropriate rules and regulations. Institutions where nurses work also have rules about what they consider the RN scope of practice in their institution, and some may require physician supervision in areas where others might not. It is important for each nurse to be sure of what falls within their duties and responsibilities so that they only do what is considered appropriate for them.
RN Scope of Practice - Registered Nurse Duties and Responsibilities NURSE
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