Nursing Practice Act

Question 1

Who wrote the NPA?

Answer 1

The North Carolina General Assembly

Question 2

Who is the NC Board of Nursing (BON) ?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Who comprises the BON?

Answer 3

14 members

• 8 of which are RN’s
• 3 Educators
• 3 LPN’s
• 3 members at large

Question 4

What is the relationship of the NPA to the BON?

Answer 4

Interdependent and symbiotic. One depends on the other

Question 5

What is the NPA?

Answer 5

The law

Question 6

Where in the NPA is RN Practiced defined?

Answer 6

in the 10 points of RN practice PG 3 item 90-171.20 (7)

Question 7

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

Answer 7

ASSESSMENT!

Assess the patient’s physical and mental health including the patient’s reaction to illness and treatment regimens

Question 8

What is the charge form the NPA to the BON?

Answer 8

To interpret and enforce the NPA to keep the citizens of NC safe (REGULATORY)

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Providing for the maintenance of safe and effective nursing care, whether rendered 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 patient care.

The RN is ultimately responsible for the delegation and the evaluation of the tasks delegated.

The “practice of nursing by a registered nurse” consist of ten components

• teaching, assigning, delegating to or supervising other personnel in implementing the treatment regiment
• a nurse can delegate those patient care services which are routine, repetitive, limited to scope that do not require the professional judgement of an RN.

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of 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 to write the NPA?

Answer 12

Legal or “legalese”

Question 13

Why is this style of legal language used?

Answer 13

The NPA is broad by design so that it is left to interpretation and debate in the court of law

Question 14

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

Answer 14

RN assess physical and mental health of their patients including reaction to illnesses and treatment regiments.

LPN’s only participate in these assessments.

RN’s 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 15

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

Answer 15

the medication must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, Dentist). Part of the 10 points

Question 16

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

Answer 16

$75

Question 17

How often do RNs in NC renew their licenses?

Answer 17

Every 2 years on the last day of their birth month

Question 18

How much does it cost to renew a license?

Answer 18

$100 by mail; $92 if done online

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Completed a board approved RN educational program

Submit NCBON ID documents

$75 register with Pearson VUE ($200) for NCLEX

Provide proof of completion of education

NCLEX

Criminal background check

All fees are paid

Question 20

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

Answer 20

The applicant/nurse must be mentally able to take the licensure exam.

The act states that a nurse must be mentally and physically competent to practice nursing and be approved by the state

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Must be reported within 30 days

RN may lose their license

RN may be required by board to seek treatment and a licensure suspension during treatment or enter one of the myrid of treatment plans offered by the NC-BON

Question 24

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

Answer 24

A nursing a student who is in a clinical area as part of an approved nursing education program as an “unlicensed provider.” The authority to practice or “student status” is granted in the Nursing Practice Act Article 90-171.43 (2) License requried

Question 25

Does the student practice on the RN license?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What is the responsibility of the student in regards to practice

Answer 26

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 and cannot do (What have you been checked off to do).

Students must meet and be aware of established standards (both nationally and hospital specific) that pertain to curriculum, facilities, resources, and administration

Question 27

What is the responsibility of the CI?

Answer 27

Ensure the students meet the standard of care are educated in hospital policies

Question 28

What is the definition of the nursing standard of care?

Answer 28

Legal definition: What any reasonably, prudent nurse would do in the same situation

SOC are written by professional organizations and have national implications and are evidenced based.