UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL PROGRAMS
PROFESSIONAL NURSING ORGANIZATION
POLICY STANDARDS

ADDENDUM:        E.1i
EFFECTIVE:          7/92
REVISION:            4/08
APPROVAL:          4/08
SUBJECT:  CREDENTIALING POLICY FOR CLINICAL PRIVILEGES FOR NURSES WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYED BY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCE (UAMS) OR ITS CLINICAL PROGRAMS
SOURCE:  Policy Standards, Section E, Administration/Organization of University Hospital and Clinical Programs
In order to facilitate continuity of care, it may be desirable for a registered nurse employed by an agency that provides post discharge or home care to patient of University of Arkansas for Medical Science to begin provision of nursing care while the patient is still hospitalized.  Under these circumstances, the hospital retains accountability for the quality of all nursing care rendered to its patients.

Registered nurses not employed by University of Arkansas for Medical Science and Clinical Programs, who wish to provide nursing care to our patients must make application and be evaluated during their first patient encounter at University of Arkansas for Medical Science and annually thereafter.

The following must be submitted to the Chief Nursing Officer when making application for privileges:

  1. A letter outlining types of care which will be provided
  2. Evidence of current licensure through primary verification source
  3. Current job description from employing agency or institution
  4. Evidence of liability insurance coverage

At the time privileges are granted, a personnel file will be established and a University of Arkansas for Medical Science Clinical Programs staff member will be assigned to assess initial competency and to perform annual evaluations.  The evaluations completed during the first patient encounter and annually will be based on the following scoring criteria.

SCORING CRITERIA:                 0     Unsatisfactory

                                                      1     Meets expectations

                                                      2     Exceeds expectations

Expectations for performance while delivering care to University of Arkansas for Medical Science patients are as follows:

  1. Wears proper attire (tailored clothes covered by a lab coat to deliver direct care) and identification while in the hospital
  2. Responds to referral with 24 hours
  3. Adheres to all University of Arkansas for Medical Science Policies and PNO Policies & Procedures
  4. Assesses patient needs related to service
  5. Provides safe care within the scope of privileges granted
  6. Documents in patient chart
  7. Communicates patient progress to University of Arkansas for Medical Science nurse responsible for patient and other as appropriate