Which statement best describes appropriate delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in a clinical unit?

Which statement best describes appropriate delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in a clinical unit?

• A. Delegate any task to UAP as long as you think they can do it.
• B. Delegate tasks within the UAP's scope of practice and competence with clear instructions and supervision.
• C. Assign complex assessments or high-risk procedures to UAP.
• D. Avoid delegation and perform all tasks yourself.

Answer: (B)

Delegation to UAP works when the task is within their scope and competence and when there are clear instructions and ongoing supervision. This means assigning routine, non-judgmental activities that do not require nursing assessment or clinical decision-making—things like assisting with activities of daily living, basic hygiene, mobility support, feeding with appropriate cues, or transporting supplies—while the nurse provides direction and monitors for changes. The nurse remains accountable for the patient’s care, determines what can be safely delegated, and ensures the UAP understands how to report back and when to escalate. Tasks that require complex assessment, clinical judgment, or high-risk procedures should not be delegated, and avoiding delegation altogether ignores teamwork and patient safety.

Delegation to UAP works when the task is within their scope and competence and when there are clear instructions and ongoing supervision. This means assigning routine, non-judgmental activities that do not require nursing assessment or clinical decision-making—things like assisting with activities of daily living, basic hygiene, mobility support, feeding with appropriate cues, or transporting supplies—while the nurse provides direction and monitors for changes. The nurse remains accountable for the patient’s care, determines what can be safely delegated, and ensures the UAP understands how to report back and when to escalate. Tasks that require complex assessment, clinical judgment, or high-risk procedures should not be delegated, and avoiding delegation altogether ignores teamwork and patient safety.