As a licensed nurse, what is my scope of practice during an emergency at a shelter setting?
The Mississippi Nursing Practice Law and the Rules and Regulations require licensed nurses in shelter settings to provide care which adheres to the law and to applicable standards of care. Medical orders concerning administration of medications at home which are evidenced by pill bottles or IV bags etc. should be followed as they would in the home. If interventions other than those covered by existing medical prescriptions/ orders are necessary or a question concerning existing medical prescriptions/orders arise, the nurse should provide necessary first aid and contact medical control through the mechanisms which are established by the State Department of Health. If a nurse is assigned to a shelter in which people are taking refuge at the last minute, the nurse should perform emergency first aid, follow applicable written protocols and contact medical control through the established mechanisms as soon as possible.
