Final answer:
A charge nurse should assign a practical nurse to tasks fitting their skills and qualifications, such as monitoring patients' vital signs and providing dialysis treatments. Critical care scenarios or high acuity patient care in ICU settings are typically reserved for registered nurses or specialized nursing roles with advanced training.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assigning the Appropriate Client to a Practical Nurse
The charge nurse must consider the scope of practice and the qualifications of a practical nurse (PN) when making client care assignments in a busy medical-surgical care area. A PN may work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, focusing on less complex patient care scenarios. Tasks suitable for a PN typically include monitoring vital signs, preparing solutions and equipment for procedures, and providing direct patient care that does not require advanced nursing skills, which are often needed in ICU, CGU, or emergency settings.
For example, assigning a PN to a stable patient requiring dialysis treatment could be appropriate, assuming the PN is trained for the task. The practical nurse's role includes assessing and responding to patient needs before and during treatment and ensuring that procedures, like dialysis, are performed accurately and under sterile conditions.
Assignments that may not be suitable for a PN often involve critical care scenarios, such as dealing with high acuity patients in the ICU, where dedicated ICU Staff Nurses are a necessity due to their specialized training and ability to handle more complex and critical situations. In these areas, nursing responsibilities can involve managing patient concerns, complex care coordination, and collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and other healthcare team members. Furthermore, the charge nurse must consider issues such as work overload and the potential for heavy physical work when making assignments to ensure optimal patient care and staff well-being.