You have a new patient that needs an immediate medical response. You know that you have the knowledge, skill and judgement to perform the needed controlled act. Can you initiate this action? Y/N and why?
Yes, the patient needs an immediate response and I as their nurse have the skills, knowledge and judgement to provide care that is within my scope to help that patient.
It is important to utilize the three-factor framework because it may help better understand whether the nurse can initiate the medical intervention required. Things that must be considered are scope, competency, legislation, and policy. While the nurse may have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the controlled act, there needs to be accountability.
If the medical care needed is immediate or emergent and the nurse has the knowledge, skill and judgement, then yes, initiate the controlled act required but there should be collaboration with the RN or charge nurse that if there are complications, negative outcomes or a change in stability, there is an understanding that the patient care needs are more geared towards an RN scope. As RN’s we must support RPNs and new grads so that there is a higher comfort level in situations like this and the nurse does not feel pressure to do something or care for someone whom they are not comfortable with.
Although I have the knowledge, skill and judgement to perform the needed controlled act, I will need to confirm the following:
Is this opportunity limited in the setting I am working in? Are there legislation and practice setting policies.
Can I do it safely, effectively and ethically? I need to determine the client’s conditions. Are there risks and benefits to the client? Weigh them.
Can I safely manage any unexpected outcomes? Are safeguards in place?
Can I accept sole accountability?
If I am truly confidant that all these factors are in my favour, yes I will initiate.
However, if not, I will advocate for support. I will need another nurse to initiate the act.
Yes, I can initiate this action if I have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the needed controlled act. Suppose it falls within my practice and respects my organization’s policies as a nurse. In that case, it aligns with the regulations set by my governing body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
No, because as a new RPN graduate, I should not initiate the controlled act independently without proper authorization. Even though I have the knowledge, skills, and judgement, I must ensure that I’m acting within the legal scope of practice and adhering to the policies and procedures of my employing organization. Typically, controlled acts require an order from a physician or another authorized healthcare provider. It’s important to consult with a supervisor or a more experienced colleague to ensure that the appropriate steps are followed.
Yes, I can initiate this action if since I have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the needed controlled act. As a registered nurse, I am permitted to perform controlled acts within the scope of practice, especially in situations requiring an immediate medical response to ensure patient safety.
Yes, because I have been trained and feel confident to initiate them.
Yes, so far i have all required skills, knowledge and judgment before imitating a controlled act
If a patient needs immediate medical response, as a new graduate nurse, even if knowledge, skill and judgement to perform the needed controlled act, I will not initiate the controlled act . I should strictly adhere to the policies and procedures of my facility. As the controlled acts require an order from the physician so I need supervision and delegation from the Registered Nurse to do.
Having the knowledge skill and judgement to perform a controlled act does not necessarily mean you should initiate this act. You need to determine whether it is within your scope, and your role. You are independently accountable for the outcomes of the actions you initiate.
Yes, as a new graduate RPN, you can initiate a controlled act if it falls within your scope of practice, you have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform it safely, and it is permitted by your practice setting and employer policies.
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) allows RPNs to initiate certain controlled acts when they meet the necessary requirements and conditions. However, you must ensure that the act is necessary for the patient, aligns with professional standards, and you are accountable for the outcome. If uncertain or if the situation is beyond your competence, you must seek guidance or collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.
Yes, I can initiate this action because, as a nurse, I am allowed to perform certain controlled acts when it is needed for the patient’s immediate health and safety. Since I have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the act safely, I can go ahead and do it. This is also supported by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) standards, which allow nurses to initiate specific actions when they are within their scope of practice and when it is necessary to prevent harm to the patient. However, I would also make sure to document the action and inform the healthcare team as soon as possible.