Criminal background checks: necessary admission criteria?

The issues that nursing school admissions staff may face in evaluating potential students' criminal backgrounds are discussed. There has been a trend to require criminal background checks for health care professionals throughout the United States related to taking the NCLEX-RN and securing employment in health care agencies. The majority of state boards of nursing are now requiring criminal background checks on potential licensees.

Effective nursing documentation and communication.

Objectives: To identify the documentation and communication requirements an oncology nurse should follow to avoid negligence or malpractice suits.

Data Sources: Lexis, Medline, Westlaw, nursing and medical literature, and nursing legtal texts.

Conclusions: Effective communication and documentation is an essential part of an oncology nurses' role and will reduce the risk of liability.