Delegation
Assigning a task to another competent team member while retaining accountability for the outcome.
Delegation items are almost always a “which task can you assign to the LPN/LVN or UAP?” pick-list. The tell is a roster of clients or chores; the right answer routes the stable, predictable, repetitive task to the least-licensed competent person while the RN keeps the first-time/unstable client and any nursing-judgment call. Memorize the lanes: UAP = ADLs, vital signs on stable clients, I&O, ambulation, hygiene; LPN/LVN = stable clients, most oral/SubQ/IM meds, sterile dressing changes, reinforcing (not initiating) teaching, NG/foley care. Per the state Nurse Practice Act, LPNs typically cannot IV-push meds, do the initial admission assessment, or (in many states) hang blood.
The classic trap is delegating anything to an unstable, newly admitted, or post-op-day-1 client — those stay RN. Don’t confuse delegation with supervision (guiding and evaluating a task you already assigned) or collaboration (lateral coordination with the interdisciplinary team, not downward assignment). Hook: “if it’s the first time, a change, or a judgment, it’s the RN’s.”
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