Educational goal/purpose

The purpose of this educational activity is to promote an understanding of Texas regulations that support nurse self and patient advocacy related to patient assignments.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this learning activity the nurse should be able to:

• Identify provisions in the Texas Hospital Licensing Rules, Texas Nursing Practice Act, and Texas Board of Nursing Rules that govern nurse staffing, safe harbor, and whistle-blower protections.
• Discuss factors influencing the nurse-patient assignment within a hospital setting.
• Describe a process for voicing and resolving concerns regarding patient assignments.
• Outline the steps for declaring safe harbor and subsequent process for resolution.