A nurse moves from California to Arkansas and due to having 20 years of experience as a registered nurse is immediately placed in charge of the telemetry unit
The staffing consists of LPNs and two unlicensed assistive personnel. The RN is unsure of the scope of practice of the LPNs and reviews the nurse practice act for Arkansas, which lacks clarity on some tasks. The RN should:
a. query the state nursing association to determine their stance on the role of LPNs.
b. ask the LPNs on the unit to list what tasks they routinely performed.
c. contact the state board of nursing to determine legal scope of practice for LPNs.
d. refer to California's nurse practice act because the scope of LPNs/LVNs is consistent across the United States.
ANS: C
Correct: If the nurse practice act lacks clarity, the state board of nursing can provide guidance.
Incorrect:
a. The state nursing association is not the authority on the scope of practice.
b. The LPNs may be performing tasks that are not within the scope of practice and the RN is accountable for all tasks assigned.
d. Nurse practice acts vary from state to state.
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