A nurse delegates a specific intervention to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). What implications does this have for the nurse?
A.
The nurse transfers responsibility for completion of the task to the UAP but is accountable for the outcome.
B.
Nurses do not have authority to delegate interventions to a UAP.
C.
The UAP is responsible and accountable for his or her own actions.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. The nurse transfers responsibility for completion of the task to the UAP but is accountable for the outcome.
Explanation:
Delegation is an essential skill in nursing practice, allowing registered nurses (RNs) to extend the reach of their care through the appropriate use of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). When a nurse delegates a specific intervention to a UAP, it means the nurse is transferring the responsibility for performing the task to the UAP. However, it is crucial to understand that while the responsibility for completing the task is delegated, the accountability for the outcome of the task remains with the nurse.
Accountability and Responsibility:
- Responsibility refers to the obligation to complete a task. When a task is delegated, the UAP is responsible for performing it.
- Accountability involves being answerable for the overall outcome of the task. Even though the UAP is responsible for carrying out the task, the nurse is accountable for ensuring that the task is performed correctly and safely, and that it meets the required standards of care.
Implications for the Nurse:
- Assessment of the UAP’s Competence: Before delegating a task, the nurse must assess whether the UAP is competent and has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely. Delegation should only occur if the UAP has demonstrated the ability to perform the task competently.
- Supervision and Oversight: The nurse must provide appropriate supervision and be available to guide and support the UAP as needed. This includes being accessible for questions or issues that may arise during the task’s execution.
- Clear Communication: The nurse must communicate clearly with the UAP, providing specific instructions and expectations for the task. This includes outlining any important details, such as how the task should be performed and any observations that need to be reported back to the nurse.
- Evaluation of the Outcome: After the task is completed, the nurse is responsible for evaluating the outcome. This includes assessing whether the task was performed correctly and whether it achieved the desired patient outcomes. The nurse must also address any issues or errors that occurred during the task.
In summary, while delegation allows nurses to manage their workload more effectively by involving UAPs, it does not absolve the nurse of accountability for patient care. The nurse must ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately and that patient safety and care quality are maintained.