lilredmc

The BNE wrote me back it was a generic answer, but here it is 4 u Texans. ( in summary it is legal 2 illuminate charge) Thank you for your inquiry. The Nursing Practice Act (NPA) and Board Rules are written broadly so they can be applied by every nurse to all of the many different practice settings and specialty areas in nursing across Texas. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) does not have a list of tasks that nurses can perform because each nurse has a different background, knowledge and level of competence. It is up to the individual nurse to use sound judgment when deciding whether to accept an assignment or perform a procedure. The BON regulates the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs and does not have purview over certain facility policies such as a facility eliminating a charge nurse position in the ICU. However, nurses are obligated to promote a safe environment for their patients [board Rule 217.11(1)(B)]. Board staff recommend that you review resource documents in the Nursing Practice section under Scope of Practice, including Rule 217.11 Standards of Nursing Practice and Position Statement 15.14 Duty of a Nurse in Any Setting. The position statement explains the importance of Standard (1)(B) in Board Rule 217.11 in that if you believe patients would be unsafe with current staffing practices, then your duty is to advocate for patient safety. The Frequently Asked Question (FAQ), Staffing Ratios located in the Nursing Practice section of our website may also be beneficial to you. In addition, the Texas Department of State Health Services (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us) regulates hospitals and may be able to provide guidance with your question. The most current version of the Nursing Practice Act and Board Rules and Regulations are accessible in Nursing Law and Rules on the Board’s website, http://www.bon.texas.gov. I hope you find this information helpful.

I would like 2 add I have worked part time as an agency nurse & 5 other hospitals n my area ALWAYS makes them 1:1 until cleared by psych or md. My Aunt works n Houston & Methodist makes them 1:1. We've already had a pt attempt 2 hang himself while the only 2 nurses were in a rm cleaning a pt. There was NO ONE around 2 watch the pt & THAT happens frequently! The nurses give bathes & can't watch the unit. SO OBVIOUSLY what we r doing is not safe, but we don't know how 2 get management 2 c this as unrealistic! Even after the attempted hanging the pt was coded brought back & CHANGES were SUPPOSE 2 b made!

We have always gotten 2gether & discussed what is going on w/Pts. It takes about 5min no one fights we get along. The problem the pay was raised 2 $2.50/h & we've had a raise freeze & lost out weekend differential. The charge pay was rotated & it helped some. Occasionally, we have had issues where a floor nurse floats 2 our unit & designated charge felt responsible 4 the safety, of those patients but now who is responsible?

Is it legal to eliminate the charge nurse position? It was done in our hospital! Where is the law? Can't find BNE's position on subject! Still looking if anyone knows send link!! Muchos Gracias!!

I was working at 1 hospital suicides were 1:1. Now I work in the middle of nowhere & are expected 2 take suicide Pts w/regular pt load no sitter, & chart q15min. Is this legal?