We all know that it is impossible to go through life without making a mistake. Yet mistakes have such a negative connotation and, unfortunately, in the nursing profession some mistakes have serious consequences. I think we should see mistakes as learning opportunities. It took Thomas Edison over 1,000 tries to make the light bulb. When he was asked why you continued after failing over 1,000 time, he said “I learned over 1,000 ways how not to make a light bulb.” I love his reframe. In the … [Read more...]
Are You Following Your Hospital’s Policies?
Do you know your hospital’s policies and procedures? Do you follow them? If you have worked at numerous places, you probably have noticed that each hospital has its own specific policies and procedures. It may never occur to you to look up the policy or procedure on something because, as the saying goes, “We’ve always done it this way.” But, be careful! There are variations in the policies and procedures of facilities. At one facility you might draw blood from a central line but find … [Read more...]
Are You A Good Samaritan
Recently I was on an airplane when a passenger became very ill and went to the restroom. A flight attendant asked if there was any health professional available to provide help. My first thought was “Oh, no. I haven’t practiced in years! Do I really want to get involved? And, if I do, can I get sued if I try to help.” After a few quick moments, my heart went out to this poor person in need. No one else seemed to be getting up to help so I rose from seat. Fortunately, there was one … [Read more...]
The Problem with Multiple Professional Licenses
Did you know that if you have professional licenses in more than one State and an action is taken against your license in one of the two, it is most likely that an action will be taken against your license in the other State as well? Did you also know that if you have a license that is no longer active in another State, that State then can still take action against your license? These are examples of what I call, “the domino effect.” Are you wondering how these things can … [Read more...]
Are You Practicing Outside The Scope Of Your Nursing License?
As a registered nurse, do you know the scope of practice? Have you reviewed the Nurse Practice Act of your State? Even with the Nurse Practice Act, what does failure to keep abreast of current theory and practice mean? The policies and procedures of the facility at which you work are your guiding source. If your policies and procedures covers you, and you are following them, you are practicing within the scope. However, if there is no official policies and procedures, you may not be … [Read more...]
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