delegating/assigning nursing duties to UAP

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This is something interesting that we discussed in my Nursing Trends class last night...

We were discussing what nurses can and can't delegate, what is considered appropriate for RN's to do vs UAP.

Basically, if its sterile or medications, UAP can't do it. (OK I know there is more but I want to focus on that part)

So I am a tech and part of our job description is Foleys, straight caths, and we also apply antibiotic ointment after the doc sutures and before we bandage. We also set up sterile field suture kits.

Am I violating the nurse practice act by performing my job as a tech? And what are the implications to my future license (I graduate w/ my associate's in May) I asked my instructor what if I nick someone's bladder or something and there is a lawsuit. Can I be held accountable and does it risk my future license? She suggested I email NYSNA and I did but haven't heard back yet.

I have been trained under the supervision of an RN to do caths (Three times supervised and then on my own) But after the three I am on my own or doing them w/ a more experienced tech.

Plus, one tech who did a foley on a male put lidocaine on the cath before putting it in to ease things for the patient since he had prostate trouble. Is that even allowed for nurses to do, not to mention techs!?

I am reconsidering this job not because I don't like it, because I love the experiences, but I don't want to jeapordize my future! And I sure don't want to jeapordize the patients, although I know my sterile technique is sound,the fact remains that I am not licensed.

I would love to hear input. I think several of my classmates are on this board too, and would love to hear from them too. This was quite an interesting discussion last night. Thanks.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You first need to know WHAT your Nurse Practice Act in your state has to say on this. Start there...and then, go from there. I know you emailed them---try a phone call and getting a human being to answer you---or at least send you a copy of the NY NPA. OR--ask your instructors for a copy (I am betting at least one has it).

It's been incredibly hotly debated here before, believe me----what UAP should/could do. But in the end, you have to comply with your NPA. If you don't like what your NPA has to say, it's time to get politically-active then.

Good luck to you and your classmates on this project, and in your studies!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Meantime, any NY nurses here to help out?

try asking this one in the NY Nurses' Forum, as well.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

also, be sure anything being done in the way of treatments and medications is done according to your policy/procedures at your institution!

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also, be sure anything being done in the way of treatments and medications is done according to your policy/procedures at your institution!

thank you for your input. I will look into the act. I am pretty sure that medications are medications, topical or otherwise--instructor said as much in class last night. I wonder if the hospital has a special policy about it. Other ER techs at other hospitals can't do caths so I wonder about that too....

I think I will put a post in the NY forum too.

Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I hope you get the answers you seek. Best wishes.

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