respond to a post with 175 words and 2 citations
I believe that a nurse should definitely not perform a requested duty that is beyond the scope of practice as outlined in the state’s nurse practice act because they may be subject to disciplinary action by the state’s regulatory agency.
It is described in detail within each state’s nurse practice act and is passed by the state’s legislature; and it has the full force and effect of the law (Russell, 2012, p. 37). It would be considered to be against the law.
The Board of Nursing (BON) is charged with “maintaining the balance between the rights of the nurse to practice nursing and the responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens” (Brous as cited in Russell, 2012, p. 37). The scope of practice the nurse is to practice within is meant to define negligent or incompetent behavior, and to preserve the safety of the patient.
Westrick (2014) mentions that, “in order to maintain a license in good standing, a person must comply with the rules and regulations as specified in the nurse practice act (NPA) and regulatory authority (typically a board of nursing), of the state where the license is issued … or the state board can discipline a license” (p. 8). The nurse has these guidelines and reasoning not to go beyond their scope of practice.
Russell, K. A. (2012). Nurse Practice Acts Guide and Govern Nursing Practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation. 3(3), 36-42. doi: 10.1016/s2155-8256(15)30197-6
Westrick, S. J. (2014). Essentials of nursing law and ethics. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
