Where can I find

[newstudentn09]

Hello everyone! I have to do a presentation on, "Refusing assignments when care would be unsafe-does the RN have the right to refuse patient assignments if staffing is poor or if the RN is unprepared? Does facility have the right to force the RN into mandatory overtime?" I'm supposed to describe the issue, give my opinion and then suggest some resolutions to solve the problem. My plan was to look at any state laws on the subject and if there wern't any, look at the policies of the local hospitals. I also wanted to include the positions of different associations such as the ANA. I'm finding info on the mandatory OT but can't find info on RN's refusing assignments from anywhere, including the ANA's postion on the subject. I'm also going to look at the nurse practice act and the position of Magnet. Does anyone know where I could find good info on RN's refusing assignments? I don't know why I'm having such a hard time, I would think that organizations such as the ANA would definatley have a position on the subject. I live in WA state and was going to look into local hospital union agreements also to see if that could provide me some info. Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[stephmatusko]

You have the right to refuse yes, but they have the right to fire you for it. so its a catch 22. documentation is the key. document everything. that's what they tell us.