Nurses

This book was developed to support and enhance nurses’ awareness of the day-to-day delivery of safe nursing care by providing an overview of some important nursing standards and education laws. By obtaining knowledge of certain standards and laws, the nurse will be better equipped to deliver high-quality nursing care. Keeping your license in good standing is the key to continual employment. Being aware of your professional responsibilities will keep your career secure.

Barbara Boursiquot is a resident of lower Manhattan in New York City. She graduated from Mattituck High School and from the Board of Continuing Education License Practical Nursing Program in 1969. She obtained a Diploma of Nursing from Rockland State School of Nursing. Furthering her education she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the External Without Walls Program from Skidmore University in 1981. In 1989 she obtained her post graduate degree from Long Island University with a dual Masters in Community Health/Health Care Administration. During her 37 years in nursing, she worked in several units within her institution, which included 18 years in the critical care unit as a staff nurse, two years as a nursing manager on a medical-surgical unit, field nurse and nursing care coordinator in the in-house home care agency. Her final position before retiring was eight years in the post-anesthesia care unit.

Her greatest privilege and honor has been participating as an active member of the New York State Board for Nursing. During this period, she was a member of the following committees: Executive, By Laws/Long Range Planning, Professional Conduct, Nursing Practice Committee and Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Nursing. The goal of the Blue Ribbon Task Force was to identify the underlying effects and causes of the nursing shortage crisis.

In 2007 she completed her two four-year terms as a full board member. She continues to serve as an extended Nursing Board member, continuing her work with the OPD (Office of Professional Discipline) as a chairperson on disciplinary, moral character cases. She also remains actively involved as a panel member of the Professional Assistance Program to assure that nurses obtain the necessary help needed to be able to return to the healthcare profession.