what is a Protest of Assignment (poa)?
A Protest of Assignment (POA) is a written document notifying the employer and union that a nursing assignment is unsafe. As nurses, we would never turn down an assignment. But as patient advocates, it is our duty to do everything in our power to correct unsafe situations. Filling out a Protest of Assignment can help protect you from malpractice or discipline in the event of an adverse incident. But the most important reason to fill out a POA is to advocate for a change in conditions so our patients get better care.
When to file a POA:
The appropriate time to file a POA is when you deem in your professional judgement that an unsafe situation exists. Once you decide to file a POA, notify a supervisor or adminstrator, which gives management the opportunity to address your concerns in real time. However, you do not need approval from the supervisor to file a POA.
When you fill‐out a POA form, be thorough and accurate. Also, document the following information in the “Additional Comments” section:
Individual ratios per RN (e.g., “Nurse Smith had 5 patients”)
LACK OF BREAK RELIEF OR DOUBLING UP ON BREAKS
Overall acuity per patient assignment
How conditions jeopardize patient safety
Be sure to maintain compliance with HIPAA guidelines and MSH privacy policies.
All staff on duty may sign one POA form and fill in the number of RNs protesting or an individual can complete one on their own. Above all, ADVOCATE FOR SAFE PRACTICE AND DOCUMENT.
POA.pdfFax to : 1(888) 812-9098 or 1(877) 796- 7291
EMAIL : Mshpoas@nysna.org
Questions⁉️EMAIL US AT MSHEXEC@ NYSNALISTS.ORG
What Happens to My POA & Why is it Important?
Your POA can be used in meetings to discuss staffing concerns, look at patterns of units with a high number of POAs, and identify units with a recent increase in POAs.
POAs are also legal documents. If there is an adverse event on the shift, the POA is documentation that you raised safety concerns through the proper channels and the assignment was carried out under protest. This can protect your nursing license!