RN Doing Non-RN Duties

I have been an RN for many years, but have not been in hands-on patient care for a long time.  I currently work as a Quality Coordinator for a hospital.  Due to staffing challenges, there is a proposal for non-clinical staff (such as my department) to assist with patient care activities, such as transporting patients, tray delivery and set up, walking patients to the restroom, responding to call lights, respond to bed alarms, and taking vital signs.  I am absolutely willing to do any of these things (some with a bit of training), but I do have a concern.  Even though I would not be doing RN duties, do you think I would be expected to respond at an RN level if something happened to a patient in my presence?  I haven't even been BLS certified in 10 years...   If there is an adverse event with a patient that leads to legal action, is the legal system going to say that since I am an RN I should have responded as as RN should respond?

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

I would be careful. Like most of the time if something does happen they will look to blame the nurse regardless if it is their fault. This is the BS hospitals keep getting away with. Instead of hiring people or paying people to stay they then say "Oh well these RNs in this department can help". Personally, if my place of work did that Id be like "See ya". 

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Everyone in our facility is BLS trained, except EVS/dietary. transport is. I am kind of curious. Every RN, in any capacity has to have their BLS. 

It rarely comes up, but we had a 55 min code in an inpatient room and everyone took a turn-transport, PT, NCAs, NP/PA. 

I think that if they are going to change their expectations of you, they need to update policies that are safe.  

[Guest 1152923]

I personally would not give any patient care without BLS and basic Liability Insurance, but at a minimum, BLS.  I've heard from others that any nurse with an active license in the employ of the hospital and having patient contact, is expected to respond/assist in the event of an emergency.  I personally would proceed cautiously

[SmilingBluEyes]

1 hour ago, morelostthanfound said:

I personally would not give any patient care without BLS and basic Liability Insurance, but at a minimum, BLS.  I've heard from others that any nurse with an active license in the employ of the hospital and having patient contact, is expected to respond/assist in the event of an emergency.  I personally would proceed cautiously

yes

[anewsns]

Excellent question. I think you are legally required to respond at the RN level if you have a license. 

[Closed Account 12345]

Legally, as an RN providing (even limited) patient care, you'd be held to the standards of your RN license. It would be a good idea to renew your BLS regardless of your organization's policy.