Delegation

[nurse.n]

Can a uap be delegated the task of checking proper functioning of o2 and suction?

[brownbook]

Of course it depends on their training. Has someone taught them how? The almost life and death importance of O2 and suction equipment working properly. Changing cannisters and O2 tubing for infection control, etc.

I've worked with UAP's who are more diligent about checking these than RN's.

[bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN]

Depends on the state and if the UAP has been trained for it or not. Our UAPs are allowed to switch the patients oxygen from the wall to portable tanks but can only continue the current LPM, the nurse has to change rate if condition warrants. UAPs can verify if suction is on but can't change the rate. It is different at each facility.

[brownbook]

I may have wrongly assumed this post meant checking that the bedside equipment was set up and working. Not fiddling with either as a part of patient care.

That is an entirely different issue. I don't think UAP's should routinely be adjusting O2 or suctioning a patient.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I also assumed that this meant checking O2 and suction for readiness. In ERs where I have worked, a licensed person (usually RN) had to check the O2 and suction (portable) that was part of the code cart. But as to the room supplies, our medics could do that.

[verene, MSN]

It depends on state, facility and UAP training. As a CNA I worked in a setting that allowed delegation of O2 and suction set up, and adjustment of O2 rate with in pre-ordered parameters. We could not suction or alter suction rate.