leadership

Diss

The Nurse Practice Act of Utah outlines the scope of practice for nurses in this state. As a new nurse it is crucial that I am not only aware of these laws, but I understand them and know how to put them into my practice as a professional and an individual. Different states have different regulations when it comes to nurses and it is important that no matter what state I may end up working in that I am familiar with the specific guidelines for nurses in that area. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has a very handy “Find Your Nurse Practice Act” feature to their website. This link further breaks down the various State Nursing Practice Acts into parts for easier navigation. 

 

I think it is important to emphasize that the definition of unlawful and unprofessional conduct are outlined including the penalties in these parts. The majority of points that are summarized here are self-explanatory, but with my license resting on this information I think it is necessary to be familiar with the language and terminology used. I found it unique that Utah has a subsection under unprofessional conduct that is specific for anesthesia and sedation. 

 

As a nurse I not only have to be aware and follow these regulations, but I also need to keep-up-to date with any changes or revisions. The Nurse Practice Acts govern the licensure of nursing and therefor directly affect my professional certification. As an individual it has always been important to me to follow the law and now as a nurse it is that much more vital. 

 

Reference

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Find your nurse practice act. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/npa.htm

Diss

The Nurse Practice Act outlines the responsibilities of nurses and their licensure.

Section 58-31b-502 outlines the unprofessional conduct of nurses. Professionally, the one that stood out to me was "unlawful or inappropriate delegation of nursing care" (https://dopl.utah.gov/laws/58-31b.pdf). This is something that we have learned about extensively in this class and others. However, it is still something we see frequently in practice. It is a good thing to keep in mind as we transition into practice.

As an individual, section 58-31b-701 stood out to me. It states that any person licensed under this act "who provides emergency care in accordance with Section 78B-4-501 is entitled to the immunity from civil liability provided under that section" (https://dopl.utah.gov/laws/58-31b.pdf). This is helpful to know that if you are off-duty and help in an emergency situation under your scope of practice, you are protected. 

References

https://dopl.utah.gov/laws/58-31b.pdf