consulted in this matter (Food and Drug Administration, 2006). Even if an alternative medicine is generally considered safe, there may be particulars in this patient’s medical history that pose a risk to their safety, such as their medications or pre-existing conditions. It is my responsibility as their nurse and advocate to gain all this information and present the patient with a clear recommendation, which will allow them to make an informed decision. (E) Purposes of the Nurse Practice Act The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) serves as the guide to what allows nurses to practice and what their scope of practice is. It also dictates the requirements of nursing education and the obtaining and maintaining of the nursing license. The NPA influences my professional practice by giving me a clear role within the healthcare team in which to act for my patient. It also lends legitimacy to my education and license, allowing me to speak and act with confidence in my practice (Illinois Board of Nursing, 2007). (E1) Scope of Practice The scope of practice describes what actions the nurse is permitted to perform within their role, with the aim of providing high quality of care to patients. Under the NPA of Illinois, the scope of practice includes actions such as the promotion of health and abilities, the development of a nursing care plan, and advocating for patients and their families (Illinois Board of Nursing, 2007).

C304 TASK 1 PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY 9 (E2) Rules for Effective Delegation Delegation of nursing interventions falls within the scope of practice of a registered nurse, according to the NPA. It is defined as “transferring to a specific individual the authority to perform a specific nursing intervention in a specific situation” (Illinois Board of Nursing, 2007, Sec. 50-75). Tasks may be delegated to other registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and unlicensed personnel, but must be based on a comprehensive nursing assessment. The decision to delegate must be based on how stable the patient is, the complexity of the delegated task and the competency of the delegatee to perform it, and the potential for harm and predictability of the outcome. The task must also fall within the delegatee’s scope of practice. It is the nurse’s responsibility to set a realistic timeframe for follow-up from the delegatee and to continue monitoring the condition of the patient and their response to whatever treatment they have been given. They also have to right to terminate a previously authorized delegation (Illinois Board of Nursing, 2007). (F) Application of Nursing Roles The nursing role of scientist is applied by using evidence-based practice to care for patients. Scientists use knowledge that has been tested, reviewed, and proven to be based in fact. This allows their practice to be effective and the outcomes to be predictable. Using these principles to provide nursing care gives the patient the best chance at achieving good outcomes and improving their health.