If you’re gearing up to take your NCLEX, you’ve probably heard a lot about delegation in nursing practice! Mastering the art of delegation is like a secret superpower—you can’t do everything by yourself, so when do you share the responsibility with other team members? 🤝
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of delegation in nursing, covering everything from which tasks to delegate and who you can delegate to. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how delegation works in a clinical setting and feel more confident when tackling those delegation questions on the NCLEX!
What is Delegation in Nursing?
Delegation in nursing is the assignment of specific tasks from an RN to other members of the health care team. This process is important for managing workloads and making sure that clients receive timely, quality care. While delegation can lighten the load on RNs, it still requires accountability and follow-up to make sure the task is completed!
When it comes to the NCLEX, delegation questions test your ability to assess and manage workloads efficiently. You’ll need to be able to identify which tasks can be delegated safely and appropriately, considering the skills and scope of practice of your other team members.
So, Who Can RNs Delegate To?
Good question! RNs can delegate tasks to a few different team members, including:
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs):
These are team members without a nursing license who assist with basic patient care. They play a supportive role under the direct supervision of licensed staff.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Vocational Nurses (VNs):
LPNs and VNs have more training than UAPs and have a nursing license. They can perform more complex tasks, but still require oversight from a RN.
Other Registered Nurses:
RNs can delegate tasks to other RNs, especially in situations that require specialized skills or additional support!
Tasks Delegated to a UAP
UAPs provide essential support in patient care. Tasks typically delegated to UAPs include:
- Wellness Care: UAPs can assist clients with hygiene (bathing and toileting) as well as feeding.
- Assisting with Ambulation: Helping clients move safely prevents falls and encourages mobility, aiding in recovery and well-being.
- Vital Signs and Monitoring: While UAPs can take vital signs and obtain blood glucose levels, RNs must interpret these measurements and decide on care adjustments.
Tasks Delegated to an LPN/VN
Licensed Practical Nurses and Vocational Nurses handle more complex tasks than UAPs, such as:
- Medication Administration: LPNs can administer most medications, excluding high-risk medications that require precise titration or special monitoring.
- Basic Wound Care: LPNs can perform wound dressing changes or manage uncomplicated wounds.
- Patient Monitoring: LPNs can monitor clients post-surgery or during treatment, reporting changes to RNs for further assessment.
Tasks Delegated to an RN
Registered nurses have the skillset to perform a wide range of complex tasks, including:
- Initial Assessments: RNs conduct comprehensive assessments to establish baseline data and develop care plans.
- Patient Education: Educating clients and families about care plans, medications, and procedures.
- Complex Medication Administration: Administering intravenous (IV) push medications, high-risk, or those requiring titration is typically reserved for RNs due to potential risks.
Delegation in Nursing NCLEX Questions
For a hands-on look at how to approach delegation questions on your NCLEX, check out our video walkthrough below:
Conclusion
By understanding who you can delegate tasks to, you can make the most of your team’s strengths and give the highest-quality care. Remember, effective delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks—it’s also about working together to achieve the best outcomes for your clients. 💜
Teamwork makes the dream work, which goes for your NCLEX prep as well! If you’re looking for more support during your study period, consider joining our NCLEX Live Study Group and learn from real-deal nurses who can answer all of your NGN questions 🫶
For more (free!) NCLEX resources, check out these other posts on the Blueprint Nursing blog:
