Do nurses, nurses' assistants and emergency medical technicians have responsibilities that may be out of their traditional scope of practice? If so, what are the responsibilities?
What have you learned about the traditional scope of practice for these medical professionals?
Do you know of any responsibilities that aren't covered by the traditions and ethics of their field?
Yes, nurses, nurse assistants, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) may have responsibilities that go beyond their traditional scope of practice. These expanded responsibilities are often known as "expanded roles" or "expanded functions" within their respective professions. The specific responsibilities may vary depending on the jurisdiction and level of training of the individual healthcare provider.
Here are some examples of expanded responsibilities for each profession:
1. Nurses: Registered nurses (RNs) often have the opportunity to take on additional roles and responsibilities. Some examples include:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who can diagnose and treat common illnesses, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and provide primary and specialty care to patients.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS): CNSs are RNs who have specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of healthcare. They often work in direct patient care, research, consultation, and education.
- Nurse Managers: These are RNs who have administrative roles in managing nursing units, overseeing staffing, coordinating patient care, and ensuring quality improvement.
2. Nurse Assistants: Nurse assistants, also known as nursing aides or patient care technicians, provide direct care and assistance to patients under the supervision of nurses. While their scope of practice is limited, their responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing patients.
- Monitoring vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Assisting with mobility and ambulation.
- Assisting with repositioning and turning patients to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Providing basic wound care, such as dressing changes and applying topical ointments.
3. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs): EMTs provide initial medical care and transportation to patients in emergency situations. Depending on their level of training, they may have expanded responsibilities such as:
- Performing CPR and advanced cardiac life support techniques.
- Administering certain medications, like epinephrine for severe allergic reactions.
- Assisting with childbirth and managing obstetric emergencies.
- Using specialized equipment, such as defibrillators and airway management devices.
- Assessing and triaging patients at the scene of an accident or disaster.
It is important to note that the extent of these expanded responsibilities may be governed by state or national regulations, as well as the healthcare facility's policies and protocols. Healthcare providers must receive appropriate education, certification, and/or licensure to practice within their expanded roles.