Assignment of Care & Delegation Preparation Worksheet.docx

Assignment of Care & Delegation

1. Scope of Practice

• Definition: The range of roles, functions, responsibilities, and activities for which RNs and NPs are educated, authorized, and competent to perform.

2. Competency

• Definition: Integrated knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required to practice nursing safely and effectively.

• Characteristics of RN/NP competencies:

  • Utilize the nursing process.

  • Build upon the current body of nursing knowledge.

  • Not practiced exclusively within another profession's domain.

  • Manage care outcomes competently.

  • Fall within College’s definition of RN/NP practice.

3. Competency Differentiation

• Entry-Level Competencies:

  • Basic knowledge, skills, and judgment expected from a newly graduated nurse.

  • Example: Simple dressing change.

• Specialty Competencies:

  • More complex competencies requiring further education.

  • Example: Administering chemotherapy; OR First Assist.

• Shared Competencies:

  • Health-related interventions within the scope of multiple healthcare professions.

  • Example: Medication administration; range of motion exercises.

Assignment of Care

• RNs/NPs must:

  • Determine the right nursing provider for the client considering various factors including:

    • Acuity, complexity, and variability of the client's situation.

    • Client’s plan of care.

    • Predictability of care outcomes.

    • Scope of practice for nursing providers.

    • Individual competency levels and expertise.

    • Care context and available resources.

4. Delegation vs. Assignment of Care

• Delegation:

  • Sharing care activities while remaining accountable for outcomes.

  • Involves legal transfer of authority to perform specific functions.

  • Example: Delegating a bed bath to an Unregulated Care Provider (UCP).

• Assignment of Care:

  • Designating accountability and responsibility for care requirements for a set period.

  • Appointing appropriate health professional based on their competency.

5. Considerations for Assignment of Care

• RNs/NPs must consider various factors prior to care assignment.

Delegation Processes

• Delegation involves monitoring client health status and adhering to protocols.

• Collaboration between RN/NP and nursing care provider is necessary when client needs change.

6. Community Settings & UCP Authorization

• Assistance:

  • RN provides education to a UCP at the client's request.

• Direction:

  • Employer requests RN’s assistance to educate a UCP to perform tasks.

• Delegation:

  • RN formally delegates tasks post-education, holding the UCP accountable.

Educational Examples in UCP Context

• Example of Assistance:

  • Mr. Smith needs education for UCPs in insulin administration due to arthritis.

• Example of Direction:

  • Mrs. Jones requires UCP education for urinary catheterizations in a care home setting.

Monitoring Responsibilities

• RNs retain responsibility for ongoing client monitoring.

• UCPs must communicate changes in clients’ status to RNs during care.