NSG 3130 Exam 1

General delegation rules to follow for the RN: -Always be familiar with your state board rules and regulations for delegation. -Refer to you facility policies and procedures for roles and responsibilities for task delegation. -NEVER assume! Always ensure those you are delegating to (RN, LVN/LPN and/or UAP) have the training and skill set to complete the task delegated to them. -Always validate! If you are unsure if a staff member does not have the knowledge or skills to complete a task, ask them to demonstrate by stating "Please show me how you would do this". UAP Delegation: -Setting bed alarms, VS. -Check patient status as directed by the RN- must report findings to the RN ("are you still having pain?"). -Emptying drainage devices (indwelling urinary cats, suprapubic caths, JP drains, etc). -Record meals/routines. -Typically, UAPs do not care for chest tubes (even drainage). UAPs cannot give medication. LVN/LPN Delegations: -Dressing changes. -Apply O2. -Give PO, IM, SQ medications. -Enemas. -Urinary catheter insertion.-Can care for stable patients that are not complex. -No IVs or IV medications. As the RN you MUST complete the following items, they cannot be delegated: -Assessments/ reassessments. -Evaluation (think nursing process). -Education/teaching. -Transfers (on or off the unit-they will need an assessment). -Post mortem care. -Abnormal results. -Plan of care development. -Going to or coming from surgery (includes pre op check lists and initial post op assessment). Things to remember as an RN delegating: -Always remember, as an RN, you will also be delegated too- this means the first step when a patient assignment or task is delegated to YOU is to figure out what is needed or required. -If there are patients/tasks you do not have the knowledge or skill set to care for or complete, report to your charge nurse. Documentation must be: -Timely. -Accurate. -Complete. -Factual. -NO slang or bias language-factual and objective.-ALL CHARTING IS CONSIDERED LEGAL DOCUMENTATION.