R156-31b-703a. Standards of Professional Accountability

  The following standards apply equally to the LPN, RN, and APRN licenses. In demonstrating professional accountability, a licensee shall:

  (1) practice within the legal boundaries that apply to nursing;

  (2) comply with all applicable statutes and rules;

  (3) demonstrate honesty and integrity in nursing practice;

  (4) base nursing decisions on nursing knowledge and skills, and the needs of patients;

  (5) seek clarification of orders when needed;

  (6) obtain orientation/training competency when encountering new equipment and technology or unfamiliar care situations;

  (7) demonstrate attentiveness in delivering nursing care;

  (8) implement patient care, including medication administration, properly and in a timely manner;

  (9) document all care provided;

  (10) communicate to other health team members relevant and timely patient information, including:

  (a) patient status and progress;

  (b) patient response or lack of response to therapies;

  (c) significant changes in patient condition; and

  (d) patient needs;

  (11) take preventive measures to protect patient, others, and self;

  (12) respect patients' rights, concerns, decisions, and dignity;

  (13) promote a safe patient environment;

  (14) maintain appropriate professional boundaries;

  (15) contribute to the implementation of an integrated health care plan;

  (16) respect patient property and the property of others;

  (17) protect confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information;

  (18) accept responsibility for individual nursing actions, competence, decisions, and behavior in the course of nursing practice; and

  (19) maintain continued competence through ongoing learning and application of knowledge in each patient's interest.