Nurse Practice Act

Question 1

Who wrote the NPA?

Answer 1

The NC General Assembly

Question 2

Who is the NC board of nursing?

Answer 2

The regulatory agency charged by the NPA to oversee, interpret, and license nurses in NC

Question 3

Who comprises the Board of Nursing?

Answer 3

14 members - 8 RNs, 3 educators, 3 LPNs, 3 members of the community

Question 4

What is the charge from the NPA to the Board of Nursing?

Answer 4

To interpret and enforce the NPA to keep the citizens of NC safe. (Regulatory!)

Question 5

What is the relationship of the NPA to the Board of Nursing?

Answer 5

Interdependent and symbiotic. One depends on the other.

Question 6

What is the NPA?

Answer 6

A law

Question 7

Where in the NPA is RN practice defined?

Answer 7

In the 10 points of RN practice. PG 3 item 90-171.2 (7)

Question 8

What is the first component of the definition of RN practice?

Answer 8

Assessment! Assess the pt’s physical and mental health, including the pt’s reaction to illnesses and treatment regimens

Question 9

What does the NPA say about RN practice in regards to pt safety?

Answer 9

Providing for safe and effective nursing care, whether directly or indirectly. One of the ten points.

Question 10

What does the NPA say about RN practice in regards to delegation?

Answer 10

It is within the scope of the RN to delegate those activities that are appropriate for pt care. The RN is ultimately responsible for the delegation and the evaluation of the tasks delegated. Task must be routine, repetitive, limited in scope, and does not require the judgement of an RN.

Question 11

What is the primary purpose for the NPA’s existence?

Answer 11

To regulate the practice of nursing and keep the citizens of NC SAFE from incompetent nurses.

Question 12

What is the style of language used to write the NPA? Why is this style used?

Answer 12

Legal. It is written broadly by design so that it is left to interpretation and debate in a court of law.

Question 13

How does RN practice differ from LPN practice? 2 examples?

Answer 13

RNs assess physical and mental health of their patients, including reaction to illnesses and treatment regimens. LPNs only participate in assessments.

RNs create the nursing plan and teach patients about the patient’s treatment. LPNs can only assist or participate in carrying out the nursing care plan from the RN

Question 14

What does the NPA say about medication administration by the RN?

Answer 14

RNs can implement medication orders put in by anyone licensed to prescribe in the state of NC.

Question 15

How much does it cost the first time you apply for a license in NC?

Answer 15

$75

Question 16

How often do RNs in NC renew their licenses?

Answer 16

Every 2 years on the last day of their birth month

Question 17

How much does it cost to renew a license?

Answer 17

$100 by mail, $92 if done online

Question 18

What requirements must be met to be licensed the first time in NC as a new graduate?

Answer 18

• Complete a board approved RN program
• Submit NCBON ID documents
• Fee
• Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX ($200)
• Pass NCLEX
• Criminal background check

Question 19

What does the NPA say about the mental and physical fitness of an RN?

Answer 19

The applicant/nurse must be mentally able to take the nursing licensure exam. The Act states that a nurse must be mentally and physically competent to practice nursing and be approved by the state board of nursing. An RN is at risk for suspension and/or revocation of his/her license to practice if there is a mental or physical disability that interferes with his/her ability to safely practice nursing.

Question 20

What is the responsibility of the RN who believes a colleague is impaired?

Answer 20

The RN is legally bound by the NPA to protect the pt by reporting their colleague if the nurse is thought to be in a state of mind to endanger the pt.

Question 21

Who will certify your mental and physical fitness for licensure the first time?

Answer 21

The DUSON program director, done in the fourth semester, with the approval of the ABSN faculty.

Question 22

What could happen to an RN who was convicted of a DUI?

Answer 22

Must be reported within 30 days. RN may lose their license. RN may be required by Board to seek treatment and a license suspension during treatment, or enter one of the myriad of treatment plans offered by the NC-BON

Question 23

Why can a student at DUSON practice as an unlicensed person in the state of NC?

Answer 23

A nursing student who is in a clinical area as part of an approved nursing education program is working as an “unlicensed provider”. The authority to practice or “student status” is granted in the NPA.

Question 24

Does the student practice on the RN license?

Answer 24

No. They practice as an unlicensed provider enrolled in an educational program.

Question 25

What is the responsibility of the student in regards to practice?

Answer 25

Students are held to and must provide the same standards of care as the staff nurse. A student can only practice under the supervision of faculty, and are responsible for articulating what they can/cannot do. Students must meet and be aware of established standards (both national and hospital specific) that pertain to curriculum, facilities, resources, and administration.

Question 26

What is the responsibility of the CI?

Answer 26

Ensure that students meet the standard of care and are educated on the hospital policies

Question 27

What is the definition of the nursing standard of care?

Answer 27

Legal definition: what any reasonably prudent nurse would do in a similar situation”. SOC are written by professional organizations and have national implications, and are evidence based.