Q. I may be re-deployed to an unfamiliar practice setting during the COVID-19 outbreak. What should I consider?
A. COVID-19 is affecting the health care system. As the pandemic continues, there will be increased pressure on those working in direct care to provide care in unusual situations and innovative ways. NSCN expects all nurses, including nurse practitioners (NPs), to practice within their scope of practice and expertise, use their professional judgment and act in the best interest of their clients during these extraordinary times.
NPs have entry-level competencies that reflect the knowledge, skills, and judgment required to provide safe, competent, ethical and compassionate care. It is also important to consider that NPs are registered nurses who have nursing knowledge and entry-level competencies that apply to all client groups and practice settings.
You may be deployed to a different practice setting during the pandemic. While specific roles and responsibilities may vary by context, your NP entry-level competencies, in addition to your RN entry-level competencies can be applied across practice settings. You are also always required to meet your standards of practice. The Nurse Practitioner Standards of Practice are broad and flexible which enables you to meet them while deployed to a different practice setting.
If you are re-deployed to a different setting within your same client population:
- Ask for a brief orientation to the new practice setting
- Request that there be an identified staff member to answer questions
- Negotiate your assignment based on the things you can do versus the things you cannot do. Recognize that in some cases, your assignment may be to assist regular staff as they care for clients rather than caring for clients independently.
Employer Obligations
Your employer has an obligation to:
- Provide staffing and resources and to ensure that nurses are supported to work within their role and scope of practice.
- Arrange for support for nurses re-deployed to unfamiliar practice settings.
- Assist nurses in understanding their expectations when providing care in an unfamiliar practice setting.
- Consider the competencies and qualifications of nurses or other care providers when makin
