Question

A newly graduated nurse has been assigned to work with one assistive personnel staff member. When delegating skills, which guidelines should the nurse use? (Select all that apply.)

a. Assign just bed making skills and feeding tasks.
b. Assess the knowledge of the assistive personnel.
c. Match tasks to the assistants skills.
d. Have the nursing assistant document assessment findings.
e. Assess skill levels of assistive personnel.

Answer 1

A newly graduated nurse should assess the knowledge and skill levels of assistive personnel and match tasks to their skills when delegating duties. It is also important to consider patient safety and outcomes when assigning responsibilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

When delegating tasks to assistive nursing personnel, a newly graduated nurse should follow certain guidelines. Firstly, it is crucial to assess the knowledge of the assistive personnel to ensure they have the appropriate information to perform the tasks safely and effectively. Additionally, one should match tasks to the assistant's skills, ensuring that tasks are well within their scope of practice and competency. Lastly, it is important to assess skill levels of assistive personnel regularly to appropriately delegate responsibilities that are consistent with their current capabilities.

Delegating responsibilities such as bed making and feeding tasks may be appropriate but should not be the sole responsibilities assigned. It is also essential to establish clear communication and documentation standards, including having the nursing assistant report to the nurse rather than document assessment findings which is the responsibility of licensed staff. Tasks must be delegated considering the patient's condition, the complexity of the tasks, the potential for harm, and the predictability of the outcome.