Assigning a task that is within the recipient's scope while remaining accountable for the outcome.
Delegation is assigning a task that falls within the recipient’s scope while remaining accountable for the outcome. Use the five rights of delegation: right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, and right supervision. The LPN/LVN may be delegated to by the RN and may delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel, but typically not to another LPN/LVN, and never delegates assessment, teaching, or evaluation.
Overseeing a delegated task to ensure it is performed safely and correctly.
Supervision is overseeing a delegated task to ensure it is performed safely and correctly. It includes giving clear direction, monitoring performance, and intervening when something is wrong. The PN commonly supervises unlicensed assistive personnel for delegated tasks such as vital signs, bathing, and ambulation, and is responsible for following up on the result.
The legal range of practice for the LPN/LVN as defined by the state Nurse Practice Act.
Scope of practice is the legal range of duties an LPN/LVN may perform, defined by the state Nurse Practice Act. In most states the PN does not perform the initial admission assessment, develop the care plan, or give IV-push medications, and these limits vary by state and facility policy. When unsure whether a task is within scope, decline it and notify the RN — practicing outside scope puts the license at risk.
Speaking up for a client’s wishes and safety, and escalating concerns to the RN or provider when they are not met.
Advocacy means acting to protect and promote the client’s rights, wishes, and best interests, even when that is uncomfortable. It includes supporting the client’s autonomy, making sure decisions are truly informed, and speaking up about unsafe conditions. When the client’s wishes conflict with the plan of care, advocate up the chain — to the RN first, then the provider — rather than ignoring the concern.
Protecting client health information from unauthorized disclosure.
Confidentiality is the legal and ethical duty to protect client health information from unauthorized disclosure. Share information only with the care team on a need-to-know basis, and never discuss clients in elevators, hallways, or on social media. Breaches can lead to disciplinary action, termination, and loss of licensure.
Communicating changes in client status up the chain of command.
Reporting communicates changes in client status up the chain of command so they can be acted on quickly. The PN reports changes in vital signs, mental status, level of consciousness, or pain to the RN first, who escalates to the provider as needed. Timely, accurate reporting is essential for client safety and continuity of care.
Recording care delivered and client response in the medical record.
Documentation records the care delivered and the client’s response in the legal medical record. Chart objectively and factually, as close to real time as possible, and never chart in advance. The guiding principle is that if it is not documented it was not done, and incomplete or falsified charting puts both client safety and the nurse’s license at risk.
Transferring responsibility for client care from one nurse to another at shift change or transfer.
A handoff transfers responsibility for client care from one nurse to another at shift change or transfer, and it is a high-risk moment for information to be lost. Use a structured format such as SBAR — Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — so nothing critical is missed. Bedside handoff with the client and family present is the safest practice because it allows verification and questions in real time.