Delegation Basics
What is delegation in nursing?
What is the process by which a nurse authorizes a nursing assistant to perform a specific nursing task.
Who can delegate tasks to a nursing assistant?
Who is Licensed nurses, including APRNs, RNs, and LPNs/LVNs.
Can a nursing assistant administer medication?
What is No, administering medication is beyond the scope of a nursing assistant.
What is the “Right Task” in delegation?
what is A task that the nursing assistant is allowed to perform according to state law and their job description.
When is it appropriate for a nursing assistant to refuse a task?
What is When the task is outside their scope of practice, not in their job description, or could harm the patient.
What is a routine nursing task?
What is A task that is part of a nursing assistant's job description and was learned during training.
Can a nursing assistant delegate tasks to another worker?
What is No, nursing assistants cannot delegate tasks.
Name one task that a nursing assistant can routinely perform.
OPEN ANSWER
example: Measuring weight and height.
What does “Right Circumstance” mean in delegation?
What is Ensuring the task is appropriate given the patient’s condition and the current situation.
What should a nursing assistant do if they are unsure how to perform a delegated task?
What is Ask the nurse for further instructions, training, or supervision.
What is a delegated nursing responsibility?
What is A task transferred from a nurse to a nursing assistant that does not require the nurse’s professional knowledge or judgment.
Can an LPN/LVN delegate tasks to other nursing assistants?
What is Yes, if allowed by the state’s nurse practice act.
What task should a nursing assistant refuse if asked by a nurse?
What is Any task outside their scope of practice or not in their job description.
What is the “Right Person” in the Five Rights of Delegation?
What is Ensuring the nursing assistant is competent and comfortable with the task.
Can a nursing assistant refuse a task because they don’t like it?
What is No, refusal must be based on safety and scope of practice, not personal preference.
Why is delegation important in healthcare?
What is that It ensures efficient patient care and allows tasks to be performed by the appropriate level of healthcare professional.
What is the nurse's responsibility after delegating a task?
What is The nurse is accountable for ensuring the task is completed safely and correctly.
Can a nurse delegate the responsibility of developing a care plan to a nursing assistant?
What is No, developing care plans requires a nurse's professional knowledge and cannot be delegated.
What is required in the “Right Directions and Communication”?
What is Clear and complete instructions from the nurse, ensuring the nursing assistant understands the task and expectations.
What should a nursing assistant do if directions are not clear?
What is Request clarification from the nurse before performing the task.
What should a nursing assistant do before performing a delegated task?
What is Review the guidelines with the nurse, ensure understanding of the task, and ask for training or supervision if needed.
Who is accountable for a delegated task?
Who is The delegating nurse is accountable for the delegation decision, and the nursing assistant is responsible for performing the task safely.
What must a nursing assistant do if a task they were asked to perform could harm the patient?
What is Refuse the task and report the concern to the nurse immediately.
Why is the “Right Supervision and Evaluation” important in delegation?
The nurse must be available for questions and ensure the task is completed safely.
What is the first step a nursing assistant should take when refusing a task?
What is Politely inform the nurse of the concerns and explain why the task is being refused.