I need help with delegation

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Above is a list i put together to help me understand what an RN, an LPN/LVN, and a UAP/CNA can do.

I've been pretty good with delegation so far.

Now I'm starting to see different kinds of RNs and LPNs and it's throwing me off.

I know that RNs floating from another unit are treated like LPNs. And I know that if gender is specified, that means there is a patient who has gender preferences.

But how do I, as the charge nurse, go about delegating tasks to:

  • experienced RNs
  • experienced LPNs
  • experienced nursing assistants
  • nursing students
  • and an LPN/LVN who is fuctioning under the supervision of an RN

What is within their scopes of practice?

Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Pixie I think you're spot on- I'd treat a nursing student as a UAP because they haven't yet been assessed in their knowledge to enter basic practice. Great post!

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Anything that has a patient that might crash or have an abrupt change in condition needs the RN. If the patient requires monitoring or a focused assessment requires at least an experienced LPN, float or new RN. If the patient has expected outcomes an LPN or new/float RN is ok as well. If there is a simple procedure that doesnt involve assessment, a CNA or UAP is ok. If the patient is immediate post op, RN... If >24hr postop, new RN or float OK.

Hi there, thanks for the explanation.

1. May I ask where the "graduate nurse" is classified? thanks :)

2. If it is an emergency case within the hospital and RN only has UAP, the delegation limitations to UAP doesnt change? thanks again

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Hi there, thanks for the explanation.

1. May I ask where the "graduate nurse" is classified? thanks :)

2. If it is an emergency case within the hospital and RN only has UAP, the delegation limitations to UAP doesnt change? thanks again

A graduate nurse as in passed the nursing program but hasn't yet sat for and passed the NCLEX? They would be classified as a UAP. They are not liceneced.

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Anyone that needs assessment and care plan written, RN. This is because most nurse practice acts state that the RN is responsible for assessment and care planning. Word to the wise.

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