What is a key responsibility of the registered nurse when assigning tasks to UAP?

What is a key responsibility of the registered nurse when assigning tasks to UAP?

• A. To ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner
• B. To maintain legal responsibility for client assignments
• C. To provide personal care for all clients
• D. To reduce client wait times for care

Answer: (B)

The key responsibility of the registered nurse when assigning tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) is to maintain legal responsibility for client assignments. This encompasses the fundamental principle that while a registered nurse may delegate duties and tasks to UAP, the ultimate accountability for patient care and outcomes remains with the nurse. This includes ensuring that the UAP is competent to perform the assigned tasks and that these tasks are within the scope of practice of the UAP. In delegating tasks, the nurse must consider the complexity and stability of the patient's condition and must ensure the tasks assigned to UAP are appropriate. This legal and ethical responsibility ensures patient safety, quality care, and regulatory compliance in a healthcare setting. Thus, even though the UAP may carry out certain duties, the nurse is still responsible for overseeing and evaluating the care delivered to the patient. This understanding of responsibility is crucial for effective team collaboration and provides a framework for nurses to delegate safely and responsibly. In the context of the other options, while timely task completion, reducing wait times, and providing personal care are important aspects of healthcare delivery, they do not capture the essential legal and ethical aspect of the nurse's role in delegation.

The key responsibility of the registered nurse when assigning tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) is to maintain legal responsibility for client assignments. This encompasses the fundamental principle that while a registered nurse may delegate duties and tasks to UAP, the ultimate accountability for patient care and outcomes remains with the nurse. This includes ensuring that the UAP is competent to perform the assigned tasks and that these tasks are within the scope of practice of the UAP.

In delegating tasks, the nurse must consider the complexity and stability of the patient's condition and must ensure the tasks assigned to UAP are appropriate. This legal and ethical responsibility ensures patient safety, quality care, and regulatory compliance in a healthcare setting. Thus, even though the UAP may carry out certain duties, the nurse is still responsible for overseeing and evaluating the care delivered to the patient.

This understanding of responsibility is crucial for effective team collaboration and provides a framework for nurses to delegate safely and responsibly. In the context of the other options, while timely task completion, reducing wait times, and providing personal care are important aspects of healthcare delivery, they do not capture the essential legal and ethical aspect of the nurse's role in delegation.