Leg wraps delegation

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2016

I was totally comfortable delegating leg wrapping to the aides when I worked as a floor nurse. Leg wraps are not considered wound care, and many of the aides did a more thorough job of it than me.

Of course, you would be responsible if the task was not carried out properly since you are the nurse with the license and accountability. You are responsible for the resident while he/she is under your care.

GLORIAmunchkin72 · Mar 17, 2016

"Of course, you would be responsible if the task was not carried out properl"

Of course, you are.

But would you write a cna up if she does not do it right and the resident's legs turn purple?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2016

But would you write a cna up if she does not do it right and the resident's legs turn purple?

A major component of delegation is determining whether the staff to whom you delegate have the competencies to carry out the tasks at hand.

To write the CNA up, you would need to prove he/she was competent in performing leg wraps. Some facilities cover themselves by having annual skills fairs to ensure the staff has had all their competencies evaluated.

If a nurse delegates a task to a staff member who lacks the competence to perform the task, this is considered improper delegation and the nurse might get into trouble for the purple leg.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 28, 2016

I've never worked in a place where CNAs were allowed to do leg wraps.