What is a nursing assistant’s role in nurse delegation?

A nursing assistant plays a critical role in nurse delegation by performing tasks that have been delegated to them by a registered nurse (RN) after receiving appropriate training. This means that the nursing assistant must be adequately trained and competent in the specific tasks that the RN delegates to ensure they can execute these duties safely and effectively.

By focusing on performing delegated tasks as trained, the nursing assistant upholds the standards of care and adheres to the protocols established within the healthcare setting. This practice ensures that care is delivered consistently and meets the patients’ needs while also allowing the RN to manage their workload more effectively.

In this context, performing tasks that they are uncomfortable with or any task requiring nursing judgment does not align with safe practice standards. Nursing assistants are not expected to undertake tasks that exceed their training or comfort level, nor are they responsible for tasks that necessitate critical nursing judgments, as these remain within the RN's scope of practice. Ignoring the delegation process undermines the structured approach to patient care and poses risks to both patients and the healthcare team.