RN delegating nursing function to CNA/RT

[LPNfurever]

Are RN's/LPN's allowed to delegate application of swab caps to CNA/RT ? I was under the impression that only IV certified nurses (ma's if trained) could touch an IV.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

All depends on your BON nurse practice act/delegation guidelines, CNA regulations (if any, some states without like Pennsyvlania), and your facilities policies and procedures.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Check your state BON and facility policies!

[zoidberg, BSN, RN]

If you are referring to RT as in Respiratory therapy, I would not delegate to them. I would collaborate with them, as they are a separate profession. Side note: an RT would be more than capable of IV related tasks if that is something the individual RT often does. RTs perform a wide variety of skills related to vascular access and IV therapy.

[BreatheDeep]

Technically RT could do it, as usually all forms of vascular access also falls within an RT's scope - with the caveat that it must be related to cardiopulmonary function in some way. For example, I do it all the time after drawing my RT labs (VBG's and lactates most commonly). Although I'm not to sure why you'd specifically be interesting in RT doing this for you?

Also, like zoidberg said, you wouldn't so much be delegating (since RT's have their own independent license and scope, and aren't supervised by nor do they work under RN's), as much as just asking them for a favor.

That said, its not that big a deal. If you asked I'm sure most would be happy to help. And as for the ones that wouldn't, well, now you've identified a lazy POS you shouldn't rely on anyway - so still kind a win for you yeah?