From the Guidelines
As a registered nurse, Rupesh has several special considerations that apply to his professional role, including adhering to specific reporting requirements, maintaining stricter infection control practices, and following occupational health protocols, as outlined in the American Heart Association's scientific statement on stroke care 1.
Key Considerations
- Rupesh must maintain his nursing license through continuing education requirements, typically 20-30 hours every two years depending on his state, to ensure he is up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices, such as those recommended by the EULAR for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis 1.
- He has legal obligations to report suspected abuse or neglect, and must maintain professional boundaries with patients, as emphasized in the EULAR recommendations for rheumatology nursing management of CIA 1.
- Rupesh should be aware of his scope of practice limitations, which vary by state, and follow proper delegation protocols when assigning tasks to other healthcare workers, to ensure that patients receive high-quality, safe care, as highlighted in the comprehensive overview of nursing and interdisciplinary rehabilitation care of the stroke patient 1.
Evidence-Based Practice
- The EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis provide guidance on the importance of nurse-led care, patient education, and self-management support, as well as the need for continuous education and training for nurses 1.
- The American Heart Association's scientific statement on stroke care emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary care, including the role of registered nurses, in improving outcomes and enhancing recovery for stroke patients 1.
Quality of Care
- Rupesh has ethical responsibilities to advocate for patients and maintain confidentiality under HIPAA regulations, with violations potentially resulting in severe penalties, including license suspension or revocation, as highlighted in the EULAR recommendations for rheumatology nursing management of CIA 1.
- He should prioritize patient-centered care, including providing education and support to patients and their families, to improve health outcomes and quality of life, as emphasized in the comprehensive overview of nursing and interdisciplinary rehabilitation care of the stroke patient 1.
From the Research
Special Considerations for Rupesh as a Registered Nurse
- As a registered nurse, Rupesh may face unique challenges and stressors in his workplace, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that healthcare workers, including nurses, are at high risk of developing mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder due to their work-related stressors 3, 4, 5.
- Access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for preventing mental health symptoms among nurses, with those lacking access to adequate PPE being more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder 5.
- Workplace infection control procedures (ICP) also play a critical role in preventing mental health symptoms among healthcare workers, with those whose perceived PPE needs and ICP needs were met having lower prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms 4.
- Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks and protect healthcare workers like Rupesh 6.
- Employers should be aware of the magnitude of mental health problems among nurses and vigilant in providing them with adequate PPE and support to mitigate the risks associated with their work 3, 5.