[NPInfo] RN/NP in an ER setting

[Diana Galler]

Yes, the NP working as a RN should have better than average assessment skills, better knowledge of meds and treatments, and better clinical decision making skills than an average RN-- and if they spot anything out of the ordinary, they should be quick to call it to the attention of someone who can handle the situation (like a MD). BUT, while employed as a RN, working in the job description as a RN, without clinical privileges to practice as a NP in that instituion, and without the liability insurance that covers them in that particular situation, their hands are tied and, according to my brother-in-law who IS an attorney, that's basically what it comes down to. You are held to your highest level of knowledge but can only PRACTICE according to the scope of practice set forth in the job description.
  Dena Galler

debcfnp at aol.com wrote:
  While I may not know law, I know the personalities of some lawyers, and I would bet my measly annual NP salary that if something got past an NP working as an RN in an ER, a lawyer would likely beat that issue to a pulp. My girlfriend, who is an RN, had a sister who was treated by a college NP. The sister presented with resp sxs and ultimately died from a PE at the age of 23. My RN girlfriend was drilled by the lawyer representing the NP, insinuating that my girlfriend should have known what to do because after all she was a nurse. I can only imagine it would be a whole lot worse if it were the above mentioned scenerio. Law or not.

-----Original Message-----
From: dave at mittman.us
To: npinfo at nurse.net
Sent: Thu, 15 Feb 2007 6:06 PM
Subject: Re: [NPInfo] RN/NP in an ER setting


Just telling what I remember from the gist of the article.
Dave

On 2/15/07 3:13 PM, "mmhelgert46 at comcast.net" 
wrote:

> WOW......I can't even believe we are having this discussion. Folks working in
> an ER...with a designated written job description as RN in the ER and not as
> an NP.........can't simply put on their "NP' title when they fell like it or
> held to a different standard because in another setting they are titled "NP".
> Regarding RN diagnosis "melanoma" and pointing it out to an ER
> physician.......more than likely it can be called suspicious lesion....without
> the proof done at the time of biopsy.
> 
> I must diagree with Mr. Mittman on this........you are not held at a higher
> standard even if you are an NP...working clearly as an RN in the
> ER........things change if you were actually hired as an NP/PA in the ER and
> you have training, expertise and knowledge base to intubate, place a chest
> tube etc...no court of law will go after you if....you do not have the job
> description to cover the procedure........Meg (Portland OR)
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