Question

what are some inferences and implications/consequences of ineffective delegation by RN's to UAP's (unlicensed assistant personnel)?

Answer 1

Ans) In general, simple, routine tasks such as making unoccupied beds, supervising patient ambulation, assisting with hygiene, and feeding meals can be delegated. But if the patient is morbidly obese, recovering from surgery, or frail, work closely with the UAP or perform the care yourself.

- Consequences of Inappropriate Delegation to unlicensed assistant personnel:

• The quality of work will suffer.
• The team's morale will suffer, which could lead to trust deficits, fear, and insecurity.
• It could hamper the development of your team members.

When Delegating, the nurse should:

• supervision and monitoring UAP's
performance of tasks/activities.

• ensure tasks/activities are performed
in accordance with the standard of
practice and facility/agency polices/
procedures.

• tasks/activities are performed within a
timeframe appropriate to the client's
nursing care needs.

• the decision to delegate the tasks/
activities to UAP.

• overall delivery of nursing care and
the nursing process.

• knowledge of what can and cannot be
delegated.