Section 1300.60  Practice of Nursing

a)         Purpose of Standards

1)         To establish minimal acceptable levels of safe practice by the Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.

2)         To serve as a guide for the Board to evaluate nursing care to determine if it is safe and effective and within the appropriate scope of practice.

b)         Standards Related to the Registered Nurse's Responsibility to Implement the Nursing Process

It is not always possible to document complete information in all areas listed in this subsection (b) on each patient.  However, nurses should be held accountable for the thorough data collection within the constraints of available information. The Registered Nurse shall:

1)         Conduct and document nursing assessments of the health status of individuals and groups.

2)         Establish and document nursing problems that serve as the basis for the nursing plan.

3)         Develop the nursing plan based on assessment and nursing problem identification.  This includes:

A)        Identifying priorities in the nursing plan.

B)        Setting realistic and measurable goals.

C)        Prescribing nursing interventions.

4)         Implement the nursing plan through giving and delegating direct care.

5)         Evaluate the responses of individuals or groups to nursing interventions and redirect the care plan on the evaluation findings.

6)         Communicate evaluation data to appropriate members of the health care team.

c)         Standards Related to the Licensed Practical Nurse's Contribution to the Responsibility for the Nursing Process

The licensed practical nurse, under the direction or supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist, shall:

1)         Participate in assessment by observing, collection, recording and reporting:

A)        Objective and subjective data in an accurate and timely manner;

B)        The condition and/or change in condition of the patient; and

C)        Signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.

2)         Assist in developing the nursing care plan.

3)         Assist in the implementation of nursing care:

A)        Within the concepts included in the practical nursing curriculum as set forth in Section 1300.40(f) of this Part;

B)        With consideration for safety in practice;

C)        According to established priorities of needs; and

D)        Documenting and communicating nursing interventions and responses to care.

4)         Assist in evaluating patient responses:

A)        Document and communicate evaluation data to appropriate members of the health care team.

B)        Contribute to the modification of the nursing plan on the basis of the evaluation.

(Source:  Amended at 30 Ill. Reg. 8582, effective April 21, 2006)