Delegating Nurse/RN
Role/Definition
Authorizes another person who is unlicensed to perform nursing tasks after being trained by a nurse in the tasks that are delegated to them. (All tasks that are delegated require training. The training may occur individually or in a group and may occur in a classroom setting or in the home.)
Employment
May be employed by an agency or be self-employed.
Assessment/Training Responsibilities
Initially assesses and provides ongoing assessment at least annually. Delegates and provides training and supervision to the unlicensed person that will be performing the nursing tasks.
Before delegating the task, the nurse determines that:
- The nursing task requires no judgement.
- Results of the task are reasonably predictable.
- Performance of task does not require complex observation/decisions.
- Task does not require repeated nursing assessment.
- If not done properly the consequences are minimal and not life threatening.
Documentation
Provides verbal and written step-by-step instructions to the unlicensed person doing the tasks.
Completes a “Statement of Delegation” for each person who requires delegation.
Observes and documents a satisfactory demonstration by the unlicensed person of the nursing task.
Communication
Always be accessible through some form of telecommunication.
Other
If the delegating nurse determines that an unlicensed person is not correctly performing a delegated nursing task, the licensed nurse shall immediately intervene.
The delegating nurse must consider the number of delegated tasks, complexity of tasks, complications in medical condition of the patient/client before determining that this is an appropriate service for the patient/client (OAC 4723-13).
Straight catheterization is one example of a nursing task that can be delegated if the OAC rule (4723-13) requirements are met i.e., assessment, training, observation of return demonstration, written step-by-step instructions, etc.
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