Know Your Scope of Practice

Tips For Nurses

Each member of the health care team is allowed to perform certain duties based on the content and level of education received, the license granted, and the specifics of the laws and regulations of the state in which they are practicing. No matter what level of nursing you are functioning at, it is always in your own interest, as well as the patient’s best interest, to understand each person’s scope of practice. If you are the aide or the LVN, you aren’t responsible for, nor expected to assess and analyze, the data. However, it can be in everyone’s best interest to have an understanding of what other symptoms might be important to report and why. This can be especially important and helpful in the event of short-staffing. Concise communication is vital to quality patient care. If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to ask for assistance or another opinion. To err on the side of safety is always best