Delegation

[dreamerachiever, BSN, RN]

I can not find a direct answer to this question.

On a postpartum unit, is a nurse allowed to delegate to the UAP to get mom out of bed for the first time??

Also, if a patient has been having abnormal vital signs, is the CNA allowed to keep take them, or does the nurse have to?

[TheDudeWithTheBigDog, ADN, RN]

It usually depends on where you work, but it's just not a good idea. Typically you want to prefer letting PT handle that, it's what they do for their job. If she doesn't have an order to get PT, then you want to be the one to do it so that you can assess it. Delegating to your aide should be your last choice. We're perfectly capable of getting the patient up, and can notice issues that need to be escalated, but we're not an RN or a PT. There's a huge gap in knowledge and ability, and what can legally be done.

For vitals, the aide can keep taking them, but cover your ass and take a set yourself, because if that aide is wrong and you medicate for it, it's coming down on you.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

When I worked on a postpartum unit, the nurses usually specified whether they wanted to be there when the patient got up for the first time, or whether it was okay for me (a PCA) to do it alone. I've gotten many postpartum patients up myself with no issue. As long as mom gets up slowly and sits on the side of the bed before getting up, she should be okay.

It is also up to the nurse about whether abnormal vital signs will be rechecked by them or a PCA. Most nurses just ask me to recheck in 15 minutes unless the patient is critical.