Snapshot: This article reviews the scope of practice for different types of nurses and nursing assistants, and tasks that may and may not be delegated to different types of personnel. Delegation is a central feature of contemporary nursing practice, and a key component of professional academic nursing knowledge. Show
Jump to: Delegation Overview
RN’s (Registered Nurses)It is within an RN’s scope of practice to:
Tasks that an RN may, therefore, perform include the ability to:
LPN’s (Licensed Practical Nurses)It is within an LPN’s scope of practice to:
Tasks that an LPN may, therefore, perform include the ability to:
With further education and certification only, LPN’s may administer:
It is not within an LPN’s scope of practice to:
UAP’s (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel)It is within a UAP’s scope of practice to:
It is not within a UAP’s scope of practice to:
Which tasks may be delegated to UAP unlicensed assistive personnel?Routine tasks, such as taking vital signs, supervising ambulation, bed making, assisting with hygiene, and activities of daily living, can be delegated to an experienced UAP. The charge nurse appropriately delegates the routine task of feeding to the UAP.
What tasks can a UAP perform?Typical UAP Tasks
Some of the common tasks executed by UAP include taking vital signs, providing minor first aid, and assisting in rehabilitative or therapeutic services. They are also typically tasked with aiding in activities for daily living, or ADLs.
Which nursing tasks would be appropriate for the nurse to assign to the unlicensed assistive personnel?The RN is ultimately accountable for the care provided by the UAP. *The RN can delegate routine tasks such as taking vital signs, supervising ambulation, making beds, assisting with hygiene, and activities of daily living to the experienced UAP.
What nursing activities related to wound care can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel?When assigning wound care to LPN, or delegating wound care activities as noted below to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), RN is responsible for: a) periodic wound assessment; b) verification of data collected and reported by LPN or UAP; and c) evaluation of wound care regimen and outcomes to assure the treatment ...
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