scope of practice

Nurses General Nursing

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I just passed my boards. My friend asked me to give her hormone injections while her spouse was way. Can I do that without jeopardizing my license?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Is there no one else in the family? Many will tell you not to do this....ever. If she gets a cellulitis at the injection site that turned out to be a horrible flesh eating bacteria....will she sue you? Will her husband family sue you if she died from an infection? Have you checked with your BON or your malpractice carrier?

This is going to be a personal decision. Personally, I would have to really weigh the pro's and con's before I would concede to give the injections. I would give them to my sister but a friend? I am not so sure. Can't she give her own? Some MD's will temporarily arrange for them to be given in the office or an outpatient infusion room until the spouse returns.

I'm not sure I'd get involved.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree with Esme - why jeopardize your license? And yes, you would be held liable if ANYTHING went wrong.

Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

i totally agree with the previous posts one word of advice... don't do it...just saying~

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

I wouldn't even touch a Free Clinic without a Year Experience, and my . Keep your practice limited to your facility (and with-in P&P), and hold off on using your skills and advising for awhile.

My first two years out I frustrated alot of people by saying, "Wow! You should see your Family Doc about this."

I heard more than once, "All those thousands on an education to tell me that?" My dad cut his hand working on an Air Conditioner- Same Responce, "Wow Dad- that looks bad, you need to see your doc- today."

He shook his head and told everyone what I said. Your family will treat you like a General Practioner unless you set limits very gently by referring their questions to a Physician. When you get some confidence, malpractice insurance, and develop your skillsets, then still, . . . .Use thorough judgement with your advice, and actions- we are held to a very high and strict standard on these issues.

Congrats on Graduation and Becoming a Nurse!!!!!

:redbeatheBoston

Specializes in retired LTC.

Hey Gitano - ONE WORD =NO. But I totally agree with your advice

lol

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

:rotfl:@AMO

. . . like something I would do.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

In some states passing the boards does not = a nursing license. You are setting yourself up for a huge liability. Years ago I had a friend RN who was willing to give me required injections "at home". She checked with her first, my ordering physician wrote out a specific medication order with a place for her to document the administration and any comments which he was willing to keep as a part of my medical record. My insurance wouldn't cover in office administration or home health for the particular injection only medication. This way she was covered to the satisfaction of her liability carrier Other than that a big fat NO! Would be my answer

Thank you everybody. That's what I thought, but didn't know if I was correct. Your kind advice is greatly appreciated.

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