Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

According to board rule, after a nurse refuses a float assignment and invokes Safe Harbor, the nurse

1. is required to communicate with the supervisor and must accept the assignment as given.

2. must accept an alternate assignment even if it still beyond the nurse's scope of practice.

3. must collaborate with the supervisor to determine a safe assignment.

4. should demand that the supervisor must provide a more appropriate float assignment.

The correct answer is: is required to communicate with the supervisor and must accept the assignment as given.

The correct response highlights the importance of communication in nursing practice after invoking Safe Harbor. When a nurse refuses a float assignment and calls upon Safe Harbor, it signifies their concern about being asked to work outside their competency or scope of practice. In this situation, it is crucial for the nurse to communicate clearly with their supervisor about their concerns and the basis for invoking Safe Harbor. This conversation allows for an understanding of the situation and may lead to a resolution that ensures patient safety and adherence to legal standards. By requiring communication with the supervisor, the rule emphasizes the collaborative aspect of nursing and the necessity for dialogue when concerns about assignments arise. The safety of patients is paramount, and maintaining an open line of communication can facilitate finding an appropriate resolution. While the idea of having to accept an assignment or demand a different one might seem plausible, those options do not prioritize the necessary communication aspect or the nurse's right to advocate for their own safety and competencies. Collaboration with the supervisor is essential to establish a safe working environment for both the nurse and the patients they serve.