Definition of APRN Scope of Practice in the State of California
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in California play an integral role in the state’s healthcare system. The definition of an RN’s scope of practice is activities that require a significant amount of scientific understanding or technical expertise and that assist people in coping with or treating daily living challenges related to their illnesses (California Board of Registered Nursing, n.d.). Their range of practice includes, but is not limited to, providing bedside care, administering medications, conducting skin tests, administering vaccinations, drawing blood, and monitoring patient conditions (California Board of Registered Nursing, n.d.).
Rationale for Requiring Standardized Procedures for APRN Practice
As for standardized procedures, they are required to ensure that nurse practitioners understand not only their general duties but also their specific duties contingent upon their specialty and place of employment (Minority Nurse, 2019). The reason is that nurse practitioners offer high-quality and thorough care that prioritizes patients in the healthcare industry (Minority Nurse, 2019). Therefore, the procedures promote consistency, quality, and safety in the delivery of care.
Safeguards Provided by Standardized Procedures for APRNs
In terms of safeguards of standardized procedures, there are several. On the one hand, the safeguards aim to outline the scope of APRN practice and ensure that nurses are held accountable for their actions (Buppert, 2020). On the other hand, safeguards offer specific frameworks for collaboration between registered nurses and physicians (Buppert, 2020). Moreover, standardized procedures must include details on the furnishing of medications and devices, as this highlights the types of drugs the RNs are authorized to furnish and the conditions under which they can do so (Buppert, 2020).
Clinical Scenarios Requiring Collaboration with a Supervising Physician
Finally, three scenarios can show RNs’ collaboration with physicians. For example, the first scenario involves a patient with a complicated medical history and comorbidities. Moreover, the patient may have medical conditions that fall outside the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Lastly, the patient may receive a treatment that falls outside the nurse’s scope of practice. In all three examples, a supervising physician is required.
References
Buppert, C. (2020). Nurse practitioner’s business practice and legal guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
California Board of Registered Nursing. (n.d.). Categories and scope of practice of nurse practitioners.
Minority Nurse. (2019). The significance of NPs in conceptualizing and implementing standardized procedures in the clinical setting.