How Do I Know What to Delegate as an RN?

[Lorie Brown RN, MN, JD]

I am a new RN and not really sure about my Nurse Practice Act. It just is not clear on delegation. I remember learning about this in my Nursing program but was always concerned when the time came, I would not know what to do. How do I know what I can delegate to an LPN or even an MA?

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Great question.

There are 2 places to look for the standard on what can be delegated and what cannot be delegation. The first is your state's Nurse Practice Act and the second is your facility policies and procedures. I strongly suggest that you review your Nurse Practice Act to know what can and cannot be delegated if it is delineated in your state. Your facility's policies and procedures are your best guide in determining when it is proper to delegate. Another resource is to look at The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) on unlicensed assistive personnel to make the determination of what can/cannot be delegated to medical assistants.

TAANA has a position paper but remember, that is not the law.