How much advise are licensed nurses legally allowed to dispense on their own??

[FireStarterRN]

We were talking on the baby nurse thread about giving advise to people. I'm wondering how much advise I'm really allowed to dispense to the ever inquiring public. I'm very cautious about my legal vulnerability and I usually tell people to call their doctor for any questions. I'm not allowed to diagnose and I'm not experienced in triage, plus I'm not sure if I'm really allowed to do that on my own.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

But they will still ask, those little buggers, and they DO need us and we WANT to help. But there is so much more behind the scenes with med regiimes and co existing diseases that they forget to tell you that you've made a mess, having them not trust a doc that really knows!

Now I've gone as far as to ask WHO the doc was, listen to the spiel and If I wouldn't let the doc touch me, I say "you seem concerned, have you considered a second opinion?" I can give several suggestions, not just one if you decide that is what you need. THAT's as far as I'll go.

Yes, its very awkward when they are seeing a doctor that you wouldn't send your dog to. Yes, suggesting a second opinion is always a diplomatic way of really saying "You've got to be kidding, you're seeing THAT quack?":trout:.

[a21chdchic]

Generally speaking, I will tell the person I cannot tell them what to do as I'm not a MD, and I don't know their situation and allergies like their MD would, but if it were me, I would try.......or this works for me.......I think this would cover me.