If a patient is considered complex, they will also be acutely ill FALSE

A pt could be living in a complex continuing care facility and say for example be stable on a vent, with a feeding tube and have pressure injuries d/t immobility and other contributing and underlining health diagnosis- so the pt has complex care needs but is not acutely ill.

Patients with complex are needs are also quite “heavy” in terms of workload.

I feel like this is false, because patients that are complex aren’t always a heavy workload. They may have dressings, portable vents, or feeding tubes, but can also be mobile. I had a patient that was on a vent but could also be transferred to a portable vent, which then he would be gone for the day. His medications and initial care in the am and HS care were the heavier out of the team load, but it wasn’t a total consumption of time as a patient in the ICU would be. I feel like it’s all about proper time management and knowledge of the patient themselves. Most patients are willing to assist and are appreciative once the nurse knows and understands their routines,

Patients with complex are needs are also quite “heavy” in terms of workload.

I feel like this is false, because patients that are complex aren’t always a heavy workload. They may have dressings, portable vents, or feeding tubes, but can also be mobile. I had a patient that was on a vent but could also be transferred to a portable vent, which then he would be gone for the day. His medications and initial care in the am and HS care were the heavier out of the team load, but it wasn’t a total consumption of time as a patient in the ICU would be. I feel like it’s all about proper time management and knowledge of the patient themselves. Most patients are willing to assist and are appreciative once the nurse knows and understands their routines,

In technical terms, to me ‘scope of practice’ refers to what activities I have legislated authority (through the Nursing Act, 1991 & Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991) to perform as an RPN. In furtherance to this, my scope of practice is also a decision I have to make for myself after considering my knowledge, context, and competence related to a nursing activity required for a patient. I know I have reached the boundaries of my scope when I do not possess the knowledge, context, or competence required to successfully care for a specific patient or perform a specific nursing activity.

Its important when working with RN’s that you are both aware of each others role.
Often we aren’t aware of each other’s abilities as stated by the CNO.

I have been in this predicament many times especially in acute settings. Talk to your partners or peers. Explain we are here to help each other. If an urgent situation arises and the patient required treatment outside of mu scope like pushing cardiac meds, make it aware.