Supervision is defined as “the provision of guidance by a qualified nurse for the accomplishment of a nursing task with periodic observation and evaluation of the performance of the task including validation that the nursing task has been performed according to established standards of practice." Delegation is defined in statute as “directing a competent person to perform a selected nursing activity or task in a selected situation under the nurse's supervision" KRS 314.011(2). Only a licensed nurse can delegate.
How Do I Determine What Nursing Tasks May be Delegated?
- Tasks may be delegated only after a nursing assessment is made and, in the nurse's judgment, it is decided that delegation of the task is appropriate.
What about the Degree of Supervision?
- Factors to be determined by the delegator include:
- The stability and acuity of the patient;
- The training and competency of the delegatee;
- The complexity of the nursing task being delegated; and
- The proximity and availability of the delegating nurse to the delegate when the nursing task is performed.
For additional information related to delegation to the LPN see AOS #27 and the RN/LPN Comparison chart
Additional Guidance Related to Delegation