[Sharon]

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?

[Courtney]

Yes a RPN can initiate a procedure that is deemed necessary as long as they have the knowledgeable, skill and judgement to do so. They must also though consider any other policies or legislation that may require them from refraining to do so. The procedure must be within the nurses scope of practice and they must ensure that is safe and appropriate by: assess, identifying a problem, considering all other options, looking at the risks and benefits, making a plan of action, considering all outcomes and then accepting full responsibility. Difference between an RPN and RN in this situation is that an RN can write the order.

[Adetutu]

If it is emergency and it within my scope of practice,I will do the care.

[Tara]

Yes, an RPN can initiate a procedure in an emergent situation providing they have the skill set and knowledge to safely do so. They must consider if within their scope and is appropriate.

[Emma-Leigh]

After verifying the knowledge, skill, judgement and appropriate scope, yes the RPN can initiate a procedure in an emergency situation.

[Antoinette]

Knowledge, skill and judgment are essential when completing any nursing act. A nurse must have all three prior to initiating or performing an act independently. In addition they have to ensure that act is within their scope of practice at the organization they are practicing at. Ie. if there is training that needs to be signed off before completing an act for example IV insertion.

[Patrice]

In accordance with the CNO (2023), RPN Scope of Practice, a nurse can perform a needed controlled act in certain situations providing that they have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to do so. However, in certain practice settings, there might be restrictions based on legislation or policies of such facilities.

[Brittany]

An RPN in an emergent situation, may perform a controlled act if they have the knowledge, skill and judgment to do so. Some facilities may have different legislation that also needs to be taken into consideration but as we are governed by the CNO we cannot go above.

[Ayotunde]

Yes, an RPN can initiate the practice if it is within their scope of practice. Of course, the most important is the knowledge, skill, and judgement while ensuring to follow company or agency policy.

[Omono]

Yes, as long as you have the knowledge, skill and judgement to carry out the control act. Also want to consider the policy of your agency if it’s within the stipulated scope of practice.

[Amber]

Yes the RPN can carry out the controlled act if they have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to do so but they also need to consider the scope of practice and policies and procedures at their facility.

[Judith]

As an RPN, I will do it if I have the knowledge, skill and judgement. suppose it is within my scope of practice and the company policy.

[Adeola]

After reviewing the facility’s policy and my competencies regarding the controlled act to be performed, If it is within my scope of practice and I have the knowledge and skills to perform the act, I will complete it as RPN may perform some controlled act in an emergency.

[Christiana]

It depends on the practice setting. Yes, RPNs with the knowledge, skill, and judgement can initiate a controlled act as long as it is allowed in that practice setting.

[Coleen]

As an RPN (Registered Practical Nurse), if I have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to perform a needed controlled act for a new patient requiring immediate medical response, I can initiate the action within the scope of my practice. Controlled acts are specific procedures or actions defined by legislation that require a regulated healthcare professional to perform due to their potential risks. RPNs are authorized to perform certain controlled acts within their scope of practice as defined by the regulations and guidelines provided by the regulatory body governing nursing practice in their jurisdiction. However, it’s essential to ensure that the action is within my scope of practice, aligns with organizational policies and procedures, and is in the best interest of the patient’s health and safety.

[Shannon]

Yes, as long as i have the knowledge, skill and judgement to complete the task at hand. Also need to ensure that its not only within the standards of the CNO but your agency as well

[Paige]

Yes, because you have the knowledge, skill and judgement to do so.

[Adriana]

That is an absolutely yes while prioritizing client’s safety, and following the guidelines of the CNO as well the organizations in which this event is happening.

[Brianne]

Yes, as you have the knowledge, skill, and judgement to control the outcome of the controlled act. But if you feel uncomfortable and need additional assistance, you are always better off asking for help over trying to do it yourself, especially the first time.

[Julian]

Yes, I would first check if its permitted in the policies of the facility and than if I have the knowledge and skill to perform the procedure; also if its in my scope of practice. After that I would complete the procedure.

[Kerisha]

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.

[Nicole]

It is important to utilize tools such as 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 in the workplace.

[Ngan]

The initiation of immediate medical response is dependent on many factors. The three factor risk assessment is a tool that can be utilize in determining if the nurse should preform the needed control act. As the nurse who is competent, possessing the knowledge, skill and judgement the initiation of action leans towards, yes.
However, the risk factor of “the patient” and “the environment” still has to be taken into account before a definitive answer can be achieved. With the environment factor RPN’s and RN’s have the ability to decided the need of a procedure in absence of a directive or policy but this authority is limited by other legislation and policy. In the case that the organization does not allow or support the nurse to preform such acts then the performance of the controlled act cannot be completed.
With concern to the patient’s risk factors the nurse needs to asses that in that moment they are the most appropriate person to preform the controlled act. If there are other safe guards in place to protect the patient and minimize risk. Another person who is available, more competent and able to preform the controlled act then the nurse should perform the act to prevent potential harm and minimize risk.

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