OBJECTIVES:
Upon completing this course, the student will be able to:
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Describe the legislative purpose for the Nurse Practice Act.
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Verbalize specific laws and rules related to the practice of nursing and nursing assisting.
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Define specific acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge that a professional nurse performs in the “Practice of Professional Nursing.”
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Identify the pertinent levels of nursing practice in the State and the general scope of practice of each.
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Discuss the general requirements for continuing licensure in the State.
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Describe the process and grounds for disciplinary action according to the guidelines in the Nurse Practice Act.
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Differentiate between ethical and legal practice.
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Discuss the process for discipline related to nursing practice.
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Create a professional plan for career maintenance and development within the limits of the law.
Disclaimer:
This course is not intended to offer legal advice or to provide a substitute for legal advice. While laws are frequently cited within the text of this paper, you should be aware that laws can be interpreted differently depending on the specific situation. This is a course which will provide you with an understanding of basic ethical issues which nurses often face but if you find yourself in a difficult situation in which you do not clearly understand what you should do, it is of vital importance that you take the matter seriously and consult your licensing board, with colleagues, an attorney, or an ethics review committee. It is much wiser to do this prior to trying a method you think is appropriate only to find that you have violated ethical and legal rules and put yourself in legal danger.
The following is a compilation of the content of Chapters 456 and 464 of the Florida Statutes and the rules in Title 64B9 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Purpose of the Nurse Practice Act.
The legislative purpose in enacting the Nurse Practice Act is to ensure that every nurse practicing in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. Nurses who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing in Florida.
