NCLEX-RN: Delegation
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This is a discussion on NCLEX-RN: Delegation in General Nursing Discussion, part of General Nursing ... 12221 Above is a list i put together to help me understand what an RN, an LPN/LVN, and a UAP/CNA...
by itsdebraanne Jan 25
Above is a list i put together to help me understand what an RN, an LPN/LVN, and a UAP/CNA can do.
I've been pretty good with delegation so far.
Now I'm starting to see different kinds of RNs and LPNs and it's throwing me off.
I know that RNs floating from another unit are treated like LPNs. And I know that if gender is specified, that means there is a patient who has gender preferences.
But how do I, as the charge nurse, go about delegating tasks to:
- experienced RNs
- experienced LPNs
- experienced nursing assistants
- nursing students
- and an LPN/LVN who is fuctioning under the supervision of an RN
Last edit by itsdebraanne on Jan 25
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Jan 25 by roser131. Your list cannot be viewed (at least on my iPad).
2. Scopes of practice are state-specific, for the most part.
3. "I know that RNs floating from another unit are treated like LPNs."
I don't know how you "know" this, but if it's true, it's definitely specific to your facility. -
Jan 25 by BrandonLPNI think she means that in NCLEX world float nurses are given the less acute/unstable patients. Also, in NCLEX world nurses have time to do everything perfectly by the book. And magical flying unicorns poop perfumed diamonds. It's a nicer place than the real world. - Jan 25 by roser13BrandonLPN, I thought I knew everything there was to know about unicorns. And now I find that their poop is really perfumed diamonds?? Whoa!!(Sorry, OP)
- Jan 25 by BrandonLPNDelegation questions in the NCLEX usually follow a predictable pattern. You'll have a nursing team that consists of a RN, a LPN and a UAP. You'll be given a list of four pts and asked who should be assigned to which pt.
For example:
pt A is a fresh post op who needs to be monitored closely for s/s of infection, bleeding, etc.
Pt B is a stable diabetic pt who needs numerous dressing changes for stasis ulcers on his legs.
Pt C is being discharged and has discharge instructions.
Pt D is a day 5 post op who needs help ambulating to the BR.
Who should be assigned to what
task?
Well, only the RN can be assigned to pts A and C because pt A needs a RN's assessment skills and pt C needs teaching. The LPN should be assigned pt B, because (in the NCLEX world) LPNs are utilized for tasks that require a nursing *skill* but not nursing assessment. A routine, scheduled dressing change on a stable pt falls into that category. The UAP should be assigned pt D because all this task is just custodial care. To assign the RN or LPN this task wouldn't be an efficient use of the nursing team.
Basically, only RNs can perform assessments, teaching or care for unstable pts.
UAP are used for hands-on care tasks that it would be a "waste" to assign to a licensed nurse. (Remember, NCLEX world)
LPNs are sort of stuck in the middle. They do tasks that ten UAP cannot, sterile dressing changes seems to be the NCLEX's favorite LPN duty. In NCLEX world LPNs care for stable pts with predictable outcomes and perform tasks that, while outside of the UAP's scope, are routine and unchanging and not requiring too much "nursing judgement".Last edit by BrandonLPN on Jan 25 - Jan 26 by itsdebraanneQuote from BrandonLPNTHIS IS HOW I LEARN WHEN PPL EXPLAIN THINGS LIKE YOU DO!! thank you soooo muchDelegation questions in the NCLEX usually follow a predictable pattern. You'll have a nursing team that consists of a RN, a LPN and a UAP. You'll be given a list of four pts and asked who should be assigned to which pt.
For example:
pt A is a fresh post op who needs to be monitored closely for s/s of infection, bleeding, etc.
Pt B is a stable diabetic pt who needs numerous dressing changes for stasis ulcers on his legs.
Pt C is being discharged and has discharge instructions.
Pt D is a day 5 post op who needs help ambulating to the BR.
Who should be assigned to what
task?
Well, only the RN can be assigned to pts A and C because pt A needs a RN's assessment skills and pt C needs teaching. The LPN should be assigned pt B, because (in the NCLEX world) LPNs are utilized for tasks that require a nursing *skill* but not nursing assessment. A routine, scheduled dressing change on a stable pt falls into that category. The UAP should be assigned pt D because all this task is just custodial care. To assign the RN or LPN this task wouldn't be an efficient use of the nursing team.
Basically, only RNs can perform assessments, teaching or care for unstable pts.
UAP are used for hands-on care tasks that it would be a "waste" to assign to a licensed nurse. (Remember, NCLEX world)
LPNs are sort of stuck in the middle. They do tasks that ten UAP cannot, sterile dressing changes seems to be the NCLEX's favorite LPN duty. In NCLEX world LPNs care for stable pts with predictable outcomes and perform tasks that, while outside of the UAP's scope, are routine and unchanging and not requiring too much "nursing judgement".
BrandonLPN likes this.
