Delegation Basics
Who Can Delegate?
Tasks and Responsibilities
Five Rights of Delegation
Accepting or Refusing a Task
100

What is delegation in nursing?

What is the process by which a nurse authorizes a nursing assistant to perform a specific nursing task.

100

Who can delegate tasks to a nursing assistant?

Who is Licensed nurses, including APRNs, RNs, and LPNs/LVNs.

100

Can a nursing assistant administer medication?

What is No, administering medication is beyond the scope of a nursing assistant. 

100

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.

100

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.

200

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. 

200

Can a nursing assistant delegate tasks to another worker?

What is No, nursing assistants cannot delegate tasks. 

200

Name one task that a nursing assistant can routinely perform.

OPEN ANSWER 

example: Measuring weight and height. 

200

What does “Right Circumstance” mean in delegation?

What is Ensuring the task is appropriate given the patient’s condition and the current situation.

200

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.

300

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. 

300

Can an LPN/LVN delegate tasks to other nursing assistants?

What is Yes, if allowed by the state’s nurse practice act.

300

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.

300

What is the “Right Person” in the Five Rights of Delegation?

What is Ensuring the nursing assistant is competent and comfortable with the task. 

300

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.

400

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.

400

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. 

400

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. 

400

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. 

400

What should a nursing assistant do if directions are not clear?

What is Request clarification from the nurse before performing the task.

500

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. 

500

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. 

500

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.

500

Why is the “Right Supervision and Evaluation” important in delegation?

The nurse must be available for questions and ensure the task is completed safely.

500

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.