Delegating to Nursing Assistants

[kouklamou]

I am using the study guide "Prioritization, Delegation, & Assignment" to help study for the NCLEX and I am a bit confused with what can and can not be delegated to nursing assistants (or PCA's). For example, according to the book, nursing assistants can disconnect NG tube suction to allow ambulation to the toilet and can reinforce dietary and fluid restrictions after the RN has explained the info to the patient. I have never seen the nursing assistants do either of these in the hospital. However, the book states that "only experienced nursing assistants" can draw blood and administer enemas, both of which I have seen almost every nursing assistant do in the hospital.

I know that certain info on the NCLEX is not true-to-life, but can anyone clarify this for me? Thanks.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the NCLEX forum

[caliotter3]

The only advice I can offer is to look for qualifying information given in the question. You are already aware of the reality, that it differs from state to state, that hospital policies are generally a little different than LTC policies, that all policies are facility specific, so look for what is distinguishing about how the question is worded if the answer is not obvious. Then go with your gut. They have to give you the information in there somewhere. I would not go with CNAs drawing blood because that is not allowed in my state, unless of course.......the of course information must be given to me, otherwise I go with what I know to be true. Long answer to say think about it, then give the answer that makes sense based on the wording and your knowledge.

[pers]

For the NCLEX, go with the least level of responsibility. Things that require additional training, like inserting a foley or drawing blood, are not things the NCLEX will assume a CNA can do. Those tasks are specific not only to the state you work in but also to the facility.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

the nclex is just not reality nursing....go with things that do not require assessment and the least level of responsibility.

[smitty10]

hey there, i just went to a kaplan seminar, and she said nclex questions are based on text book knowledge. don't use what you've seen, use what ever info your book says. i'm using the Kozier fund. of nursing, and they have little bubbles,that tell us what we can delegate and to whom. hope this helps!!!!

[alnewsome]

This should help in trying to figure out what nursing assistant's can/can't do:

Nursing assistants (PCT's/UAP's) DO NOT DRINK TEA!

They can't:

Teach

Evaluate

Assess