Section 246-840-700. Standards of nursing conduct or practice.

(1) The purpose of defining standards of nursing conduct or practice through WAC 246-840-700 and 246-840-710 is to identify responsibilities of the professional registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse in health care settings and as provided in the Nursing Practice Act, chapter 18.79 RCW. Violation of these standards may be grounds for disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW. Each individual, upon entering the practice of nursing, assumes a measure of responsibility and public trust and the corresponding obligation to adhere to the professional and ethical standards of nursing practice. The nurse shall be responsible and accountable for the quality of nursing care given to clients. This responsibility cannot be avoided by accepting the orders or directions of another person. The standards of nursing conduct or practice include, but are not limited to the following;

(2) The nursing process is defined as a systematic problem solving approach to nursing care which has the goal of facilitating an optimal level of functioning and health for the client, recognizing diversity. It consists of a series of phases: Assessment and planning, intervention and evaluation with each phase building upon the preceding phases.

(3) The following standards apply to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses:

(a) The registered nurse and licensed practical nurse shall communicate significant changes in the client's status to appropriate members of the health care team. This communication shall take place in a time period consistent with the client's need for care. Communication is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of speech, symbols, signs, and written communication or behaviors that serves as both a means of gathering information and of influencing the behavior, actions, attitudes, and feelings of others; and

(b) The registered nurse and licensed practical nurse shall document, on essential client records, the nursing care given and the client's response to that care; and

(c) The registered nurse and licensed practical nurse act as client advocates in health maintenance and clinical care.

(4) Other responsibilities:

(a) The registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse shall have knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules regulating nursing and shall function within the legal scope of nursing practice;

(b) The registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse shall be responsible and accountable for his or her practice based upon and limited to the scope of his/her education, demonstrated competence, and nursing experience consistent with the scope of practice set forth in this document; and

(c) The registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse shall obtain instruction, supervision, and consultation as necessary before implementing new or unfamiliar techniques or procedures which are in his/her scope of practice.

(d) The registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse shall be responsible for maintaining current knowledge in his/her field of practice; and

(e) The registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse shall respect the client's right to privacy by protecting confidential information and shall not use confidential health care information for other than legitimate patient care purposes or as otherwise provided in the Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260 (3)(f), 18.88A.210, 2003 c 140. WSR 04-14-065, § 246-840-700, filed 7/2/04, effective 7/2/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110. WSR 02-06-117, § 246-840-700, filed 3/6/02, effective 4/6/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-700, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]

RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260 (3)(f), 18.88A.210, 2003 c 140. WSR 04-14-065, § 246-840-700, filed 7/2/04, effective 7/2/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110. WSR 02-06-117, § 246-840-700, filed 3/6/02, effective 4/6/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-700, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.

Rules

246-840-710,