Wyoming State Board of Nursing. (2001)
Nursing scope of practice decisions and decision-making.
Retrieved February 1, 2003 from http://nursing.state.wy.us/pubopin/opin/nspdp.htm.

• Reviewed by Mike O’Keefe

Through a series of yes/no questions, the decision making tree in this document helps an individual to determine whether a particular act is within the scope of practice of a nurse. The questions quickly root out expressly permitted and prohibited actions, then focus on other activities a nurse might be asked to perform. Factors involved in decision making include: whether substantial specialized nursing knowledge, skill or judgment is involved; whether the action is consistent with national standards of practice, modern research or policy of the nurse’s employer; whether the nurse has received sufficient education to perform the act safely and effectively; whether the nurse is clinically competent to perform the act safely and effectively; whether the act is within the standard of care for a reasonable and prudent nurse with similar training and experience; and whether the nurse is prepared to accept the consequences of performing the action.