hs

Let's Practice Legally, Knowledgeably and Smartly Everyday 24/7/365

by
Dr. Gloria "Jo" Floyd (Ph.D., RN)
The Nurses Coach

How often do you hear how important it is to practice "smart".  Well as we go along in this millennium it really is important for you to practice with "wisdom".  Don't be caught with your "smarts" and "wisdom" down.  You may be asked to do anything but your thought should be "Should I"?  Many times your answer should be "no".  Don't count on anyone to keep your license safe.  Only you can do that.

Therefore, I am going to recommend that you do all of the following with intelligence, thought, analysis, and the best understanding.  Remember these are just my best thoughts for keeping my license safe.  Before you adopt any of them be sure you ask yourself these questions:

Once you have done all of the above, may I suggest that you practice legally, knowledgeably and smartly.  Thus to avoid medical, legal and risk liability you should:

1. Know and follow your practice act
2. Be attuned to all changes in rules and regulations
3. Keep an eye out for memos of understanding, interpretations and related between departments in your state.
4. If dumb? Get wisdom first…
5. Implement fully the plan of care wrap when care giving
6. Stop and remember ignorance is not bliss and what you don't know can be held against you
7. Check it out if in doubt
8. Practice with good professional character
9. Understand consents - to what, by whom, when, where and how
10. Follow federal laws, rules, etc. such as:
            a. ADA
            b. EEOC
            c. Medicare
            d. Medicaid
            e. IDEA
11. Throw rocks never… especially when your house is built on a glass foundation
12. Stop talking and listen
13. Consider that it is not what you say. It is what you do.
14. You know contract with patients/clients/families and customers- what is it, and   
      who made it, and what is in it.
15.   Use only qualified, competent staff
16. .  Document, document and document some more
17. .  Avoid stupid stuff in general including teaching, speaking, counseling, coaching,
       etc.
18. .  Watch those policies and procedures - they could hang you
19. .  Look - delegation can't be to just anybody
20. .  Trust me - EEOC is not a nursery rhyme
21. .  Go over Supervision 101
22. .  Assure work place safety - There are nuts out there - in and out of the office
23. .  Avoid work place hazards
24. .  Comply with accreditation/licensure standards 24/7/365
25. .  LEAD LEADER LEAD!
26. .  Supervise supervisor please!
27. .  Assess and Reassess everything - then perform accordingly!!
28. .   Never let the patient/client/family/staff/visitor suffer - injury, insults, loss, etc.
29. . Faster patient/client/staff/visitor/worker satisfaction versus dissatisfaction
30. . Prepare your unlicensed assistive workers
31. . Secure instruction, orientation and training for every one that needs it including
      you
32. . Maintain your highest level of credentials and be sure it is able to be verified.
33. . Cover yourself first!
34. . Look and act professional everyday
35. . AVOID illegal, immoral, and unethical behavior
36. . Monitor/maintain your reputation
37. . Maintain a code of ethics
38. .Use good standards of practice
39. .Recognize that your actions speak louder than your words
40. .Don't be caught with your guard down
41. .Aid and abet no one in wrong doing
42. .Assure good outcomes for patients/clients/visitors/customers/etc. when you have     control
43. .Require all to perform professionally all the time
44. .Act emotionally mature
45. .Speak in a culturally sensitive way
46. .Be supportive and therapeutic
47. .Stay alert
48. .Listen actively everywhere
49. .Respond promptly to everyone
50. .Use good professional judgment
51. .Know the rationale for and perform all care well
52. . Keep your patients/clients/visitors/ customers/staff/etc. informed
53. . Prevent agency induced infection for all
54. . Assure confidentiality is maintained
55. . Verify license, registration and/or certification of your workers
56. . Administer meds and treatments with finesse
57. . Conform to all applicable laws
58. . Avoid patient injury and abuse
59. . Use care, caution and the right people when making assignments
60. . Accept only those assignments you are qualified for

That's it.  what can you add.  And remember this is my list.  Don't adopt any of it unless you see the relevance for each item for yourself.  Study to make yourself wise.  And please nurse, practice legally with knowledge, wisdom and smarts everyday 24/7/365.  Take no wooden nickels!  And keep practicing legally! Smartly! Intelligently! And With Maximal Wisdom!
 

Dr. Gloria "Jo" Floyd, Ph.D., RN, The Nurses Coach is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, coach and success and survival strategist working throughout the united states who resides in San Antonio.
You may contact her by email at DrGloriaJoFloyd@ncehs.com