Delegation and Continuity of Care Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the principles, definitions, and roles involved in nursing delegation as presented in NUR 155/156 Unit 8.

Delegation (ANA Definition)

The transfer of responsibility.

Delegation (NCSBN Definition)

The transfer of authority.

Delegation (General Concept)

A process where a nurse gives a competent individual the authority to perform a selected nursing task in a selected situation while retaining accountability for the delegation.

First principle of delegation

Nurses must have knowledge of the nurse practice act in the state where they are licensed.

Second principle of delegation

The RN cannot delegate assessment, planning, evaluation, or accountability for the assigned task.

Third principle of delegation

The person to whom the assignment was delegated cannot delegate that assignment to someone else.

Five rights of safe delegation

Right task, Right person, Right circumstance, Right communication, and Right supervision.

Communication of Delegation

The process of detailing specific tasks, timing, expected outcomes, available help, and when and what should be reported.

Delegable Tasks for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)

Vital signs, I&O (emptying foley catheters, drains, colostomies), transfers/ambulation for stable clients, postmortem care, bathing/feeding, simple dressing changes, bed alarms, weights, and CPR.

Delegable Tasks for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN)

Medication administration (except IV medications unless IV certified), complex dressing changes, basic nursing skills (NG tube placement, foley catheter insertion), enteral feedings (G-tube/NG), updating care plans, and all UAP-level tasks.

Nurse Practice Act

The state-specific law that nurses must have knowledge of to safely delegate.

Accountability in Delegation

A responsibility that the RN retains even after giving a competent individual the authority to perform a selected task.