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:

• Are these legal thoughts from this non attorney, legal nurse expert on target?

• Should I stay alert to them to protect my license? and 

• What do I need to do related to each to assure my correct, professional and legal practice of nursing care?

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&ldots; 

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&ldots; 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!

---

MORE ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Dr. Gloria "Jo" Floyd, a recognized author, speaker, consultant and survival strategist has produced and/or presented over 1,000 workshops and seminars attended by thousands nationwide. For over 31 years, Jo has been the heartbeat for program participants leading them in common sense survival approaches to a variety of challenges. Since she founded NCEHS in 1978, she has prided herself on customizing her programs to assure participant empowerment and realistic survival. Dr. Floyd earned the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She has been a consultant to over 250 agencies, schools, businesses, associations, universities, hospitals, home care agencies and related facilities throughout the U.S. Never idle for long, Jo is published in numerous professional journals and is the author of Survival Strategies for Managing Life, Stress, Obstacles, Challenge and Change. She is also featured in/on over 60 other nationally distributed audio-visuals and educational materials including: On Leaders and Leadership, Communicating Effectively, Improved Productivity through Stress Management, Documenting Patient Care Legally and Effectively, Legalities of Documentation, Recording Clinical Actions, and On Being The Effective Teacher/Educator/Presenter. Jo is constantly reading, analyzing, networking and researching to continue to bring up to the minute options to her clients nationwide via educational materials, workshops, seminars, keynote addresses and consultation. Dr. Floyd is, also, nationally recognized as a medical-legal expert in the area of legal and documentation issues. She assists in review and analysis of simple to complex medical and legal cases. Jo has received numerous awards, citations and recognitions from a variety of groups. She has held positions as Administrator, Director of Nursing, Education, Surgery and Central Services, Inservice Education Coordinator, Professor, Television and Radio Host, Health Writer, and Staff Nurse. Dr. Floyd has, also owned four businesses. She has been successfully married for over 35 years to Elliott and is the mother of 5 children. Dr. Floyd is an inductee into the Leadership Texas Hall of Fame and the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Floyd has taught numerous school nursing courses throughout the United States. She is also a licensed child and school health care administrator.