As a licensed nurse it is part of your role and responsibility to know and understand it. You may not use the excuse that you are not familiar with it.

The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) and Scope of Practice can be changed as educational requirements change. Read your NPA often and stay abreast of changes in your state. Each state board of nursing in the U.S. develops the NPA for that state.

Know your Scope of Practice
The NPA defines the scope of practice based on the content of the formal education and level of nurse. The Scope of Practice is different for an RN and an LPN/LVN, and Nurse Practitioner.

The Scope of Practice defines your role as a nurse for the locality where you are presently practicing. This can very from state to state.

Know your limitations
Please take note just because you acquire a set of skills or knowledge base from experience or observation in the course of your job, it does not mean you may perform them without certain limitations.

Do no harm
You are responsible not to overstep your scope of practice regardless of what your employer may ask of you. Nurses can often be intimidated into performing skills they have not performed before, or have not been checked off on. Don't perform something you have never done without a preceptor.

In Addition
In addition to your NPA you also need to be familiar with your present job description and the rules of your organization. You are to follow the rules of your organization.

Where can I obtain this information?
Information on the NPA can be found on the internet. The Nursing Site.Com Nurse Practice Act (225 ILCS).

The Nurse the Family and Physician's Orders