NCLEX-PN

●​ Facility Policies & Procedures are specific guidelines implemented within healthcare settings to govern nursing practice. These guidelines may be more restrictive than external frameworks and should be diligently followed by nurses to maintain a safe and consistent standard of care within the specific institution. Legal Rights and Responsibilities Nurses must be aware of their legal responsibilities and rights when practicing. A strong understanding of the various laws that govern the profession is essential for nurses to practice safely and correctly. ●​ Common Law : Formed by judicial decisions, precedent, and customary practices. ●​ Statutory Law : Enacted by state legislatures or the Federal government. ●​ Constitutional Law : Embedded in the United States Constitution and its Amendments. ●​ Civil Law : Encompassing torts and contract laws. ●​ Criminal Law : Addressing criminal and illegal acts. ●​ Administrative Law : Covering rules and regulations that support statutory law. Specific areas that nurses should be familiar with include: ●​ Identifying legal issues affecting clients (such as refusing treatment) and knowing how to respond appropriately. ●​ Recognizing tasks and assignments that you are not prepared to perform and seeking assistance. ●​ Identifying and managing clients’ valuables in compliance with organizational policy. ●​ Educating clients regarding legal and ethical issues. ●​ Complying with state and/or federal regulations for reporting client conditions (such as abuse or neglect, communicable diseases, gunshot wounds, or dog bites). ●​ Reporting unsafe practices of healthcare personnel to internal or external entities. ●​ Intervening appropriately when you observe unsafe practices by staff members, including physicians. Ethical & Legal Terms It is essential for nurses to be knowledgeable about torts and legal principles in nursing. This knowledge not only improves the overall quality of care but also ensures the protection of both clients and nurses. Additionally, it promotes the integrity of the nursing profession. The legal framework nurses must be aware of includes:

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