Can you tell me what the legal implications are for a faculty member and for a clinical preceptor supervising nursing students?
Question - Dear Nancy, Can you tell me what the legal implications are for a faculty member and for a..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Nicole, Both the faculty member and the clinical preceptor share responsibility for the supervision of nursing students in the clinical area under the theory of negligent sup... read more

In order to teach the phlebotomy portion of a clinical procedures course, do I need any other certifications besides a BSN?
Question - Dear Nancy, In order to teach the phlebotomy portion of a clinical procedures course, do I..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Ava, A quick response to your question really is not possible, because a lot depends on the requirements of the educational program in which you are teaching. Also important ... read more

Does an institution have to tell you all the ways you are being electronically or photographically monitored?
Question - Dear Nancy, We are moving into a new state-of-the-art hospital with more cameras. Does an ..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Wilma, Your question raises many issues that are well beyond the scope of this column, but some general comments can be made. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (h... read more

I have a misdemeanor for prescription fraud - it was my first offense. If I move to another state, can I still get an LPN license or should I start looking for a new career?
Question - Dear Nancy, I have a misdemeanor for prescription fraud - it was my first offense. If I mo..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Ralph, When a licensed RN or LPN has had a criminal conviction, the state in which the nurse is currently licensed is governed by its state nurse practice act. Some states al... read more

Is it legal for our ED staff to be cut to one RN? I have concerns about this.
Question - Dear Nancy, We are in the middle of staff cuts. Two RNs, a ward clerk and a physician staf..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Eliana, The cut you describe for your ED does not sound very safe and may, in the long run, prove to be shortsighted. When looking at staffing in the ED, one has to look at m... read more

Is it legal for a facility to require FMLA papers be completed for a day or two off due to an illness?
Question - Dear Nancy, At the hospital where I work, we earn paid sick time, much like vacation time...
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Linda, It is not clear exactly how this request by your employer came about. It certainly sounds a little strange because the Family and Medical Leave Act has specific requir... read more

Is there a time limit on disciplinary actions from the board of nursing?
Question - Dear Nancy, Is there a time limit on disciplinary actions from the board of nursing? Bonni..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Bonnie, Any statute of limitations - a limit on the time a state board of nursing has to bring a complaint against a nurse - would be located in the nurse practice act itself... read more

There was an incident at the facility where I work, concerning an outdated narcotic left out and unattended. I found out that it was grounds for termination. What should I do?
Question - Dear Nancy, I work in a small outpatient surgery center, usually on the afternoon shift. I..
Nancy Brent replies- Dear Simone, You did not indicate if you were indeed fired, but the situation is an example of how important it is to handle narcotics as required by law and by facility policy. D... read more