Are nurses in South Carolina permitted to refuse assignments?

In South Carolina, nurses have the right to refuse assignments that they believe are unsafe or beyond their level of competency. This principle is grounded in the importance of patient safety and the ethical obligation of nurses to ensure that they provide care that is within their training and expertise.

When faced with an assignment that poses a risk to patient safety or where the nurse feels inadequately prepared, they are entitled to advocate for their right to decline the task. This helps to protect both the nurse and the patient, as performing duties outside of one's competency can lead to detrimental outcomes in patient care.

While there may be protocols that involve notifying a supervisor when refusing an assignment, the core principle allows for refusal if the task is deemed unsafe or exceeds the nurse’s qualifications. This focus on safety and competence aligns with nursing standards and regulations set forth by state nursing boards, making the ability to refuse in such circumstances a critical aspect of the profession.