When may a nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

When may a nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. When a nurse wants to avoid direct supervision.
• B. When the task falls within the UAP's scope and requires nursing judgment.
• C. Under supervision; cannot delegate professional nursing judgment and scope.
• D. Only during night shifts.

Answer: (C)

Delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel is allowed only for tasks that are within the UAP’s defined scope of practice and do not require professional nursing judgment. The licensed nurse remains responsible for the patient and must provide supervision to ensure the task is done safely and correctly. This means routine, non-judgmental activities such as basic hygiene, helping with activities of daily living, or simple, predefined procedures that the UAP is trained to perform can be delegated. However, any task that requires assessment, interpretation of data, clinical decision making, or changes to the care plan—and thus professional nursing judgment—must not be delegated. The nurse assesses the patient, determines what can be delegated within the UAP’s scope, gives clear instructions, and stays accountable for the patient’s outcome, with ongoing supervision.

Delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel is allowed only for tasks that are within the UAP’s defined scope of practice and do not require professional nursing judgment. The licensed nurse remains responsible for the patient and must provide supervision to ensure the task is done safely and correctly. This means routine, non-judgmental activities such as basic hygiene, helping with activities of daily living, or simple, predefined procedures that the UAP is trained to perform can be delegated. However, any task that requires assessment, interpretation of data, clinical decision making, or changes to the care plan—and thus professional nursing judgment—must not be delegated. The nurse assesses the patient, determines what can be delegated within the UAP’s scope, gives clear instructions, and stays accountable for the patient’s outcome, with ongoing supervision.