Clinical Privileges for Registered Nurses: Report on the Development of Clinical Privileges, Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Medical Center

摘要

Clinical privileges are statements of skills, activities, or procedures beyond the scope of routine nursing duties. Although a number of registered nurses had been performing in expanded roles or beyond the scope of a staff nurse at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, very few of the Center's nurses had documentation to verify the knowledge or skill necessary to demonstrate their competence. This report describes the preparation and implementation of a program for certification of clinical privileges for registered nurses at the Oklahoma City VAMC. During the progress of the study, it was necessary for the Center's staff at all levels to be educated about the nature of clinical privileges. As a result of the project, a clinical procedures policy was developed and specific clinical privileges approved. Prior to the project, only a few nurses in expanded roles had developed clinical privileges. Upon completion of the project, approximately 120 registered nurses had obtained clinical privileges. Although this did not mean that these nurses would be functioning differently, it does mean that they are now being recognized for their skills and demonstrated competencies. The long-term value of the study will be reflected in the formalized education components developed to complement the clinical privileges, as well as the validation of nurse competencies.