Nursing Practice Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q.  How do I renew my nursing license?

A.All questions/issues relating to licensure must be directed to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing at 617.727.9961 or visit the the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Web site.

Q. Where can I find resources regarding rules and regulations pertaining to the role and function of the registered nurse?

A. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Web site has the most comprehensive and timely information regarding rules and regulations.

Here is an overview of MA Rules and Regulations governing the practice of nursing

Rules and Regulations— 244 CMR: 3.00: Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse

If you continue to have questions concerning this topic, you may contact Judith Pare, the MNA’s Director of Nursing and Career Services, at jpare@mnarn.org.

Q. Where can I find information about the role of the registered nurse in the delegation of nursing activities?

A. Information about delegation can be found at the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Web site in several locations including the following:

This regulation also includes definitions and general criteria for delegation.

There is also information about delgation included in the MNA publication, Accepting, Rejecting and Delegating an Assignment: A Guide for Nurses, which can be found on the MNA Web site.

This publication supports decision-making ability, responsibility and accountability of the nurse in defining and determining his or her individual scope of practice.

Q. Is there a form that can be used to document unsafe staffing?

A.Yes. There is an MNA unsafe staffing form that can be downloaded by clicking on one of the links below. If you are not represented by the MNA at your place of employment it is important to be aware of the consequences of your decision to accept or refuse the work assignment. See step 2 in Accepting, Rejecting and Delegating an Assignment: A Guide for Nurses.

Unsafe Staffing Forms

You will need to make 3 COPIES of the form. Keep one for your records, give one to your administrator, and send one to your union representative at:

Massachusetts Nurses Association
340 Turnpike Street
Canton, MA 02021

These forms are used to document staffing problems in bargaining units and are used by your union representatives in meetings with management as a tool to resolve staffing problems.

Q. Does the registered nurse have a duty to report certain activities?

A.This information can be found at the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Web site by downloading the following PDF:

This regulation defines the standards of conduct for all nurses licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Q. I am being accused of abandoning my patients when I refuse overtime work or I am too tired to work additional hours, what can I do about it?

A.The definition of abandonment is found on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Web site on the:

Determination of Compliance with the Standard of Conduct at 244 CMR 9.03(15) Prohibiting Patient Abandonment page. This is a board advisory.

The definition of abandonment is also included on the MNA Web site in the MNA publication:

Q. I have a question that is not covered by the above responses. How can I submit my question and receive an answer?

A.Please e-mail your questions to Judith Pare, the MNA’s Director of Nursing and Career Services, at jpare@mnarn.org. If you do not require an immediate answer to your question, it will be reviewed by the Congress on Nursing Practice which meets monthly on the fourth Monday of the month.