Delegation and
Assignment
Master the 5 Rights of Delegation and learn which tasks the RN can safely hand off to the LPN/LVN and UAP on the NCLEX-RN.
What Is Delegation?
Delegation is the process by which a registered nurse transfers the authority to perform a task to a competent team member, while retaining accountability for the outcome.
Know Your Team Members
Visualizing the Hand-Off
The 5 Rights of Delegation
Safe Delegation Is All Five
A delegation is only appropriate when every right is satisfied. Think of it as a logical AND, not an average:
Delegation vs. Assignment
| Delegation | Assignment | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Transferring a specific task to someone | Distributing whole patient care among staff |
| Scope | Task is outside delegatee's usual role | Falls within the worker's job description |
| Accountability | RN keeps full accountability | Worker accountable for their assigned duties |
| Example | RN asks UAP to ambulate a stable post-op patient | Charge nurse gives the LPN a group of stable patients |
What the RN Cannot Delegate
How to Decide on Test Day
Matching Tasks to Roles
| RN Only | LPN / LVN | UAP |
|---|---|---|
| IV push meds | Oral / IM meds | Bathing & hygiene |
| Admission assessment | Sterile dressing change | Vital signs (stable) |
| Patient teaching | Tube feedings | Feeding & ambulating |
| Blood transfusion | Routine catheter care | Intake & output |
Worked Example: UAP
The RN needs to delegate work for a stable post-op patient. Which task is appropriate for the UAP?
Worked Example: LPN/LVN
A charge nurse is making assignments. Which patient is most appropriate for the LPN/LVN?
Worked Example: Apply 5 Rights
An RN delegates a blood glucose check to a UAP but gives no glucose range or instruction. Which right was violated?
Common Mistakes
Quick Summary
| Principle | Key Idea |
|---|---|
| 5 Rights | Task, Circumstance, Person, Direction, Supervision |
| Cannot Delegate | Assess, Evaluate, Teach, Judgment, Unstable patients |
| UAP | ADLs, vital signs (stable), I/O, ambulating |
| LPN/LVN | Stable patients, routine meds, dressings, tube feeds |
| Accountability | Always remains with the delegating RN |
Question 1 of 5
Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to the UAP?
Question 2 of 5
When an RN delegates a task, what does the RN retain?
Question 3 of 5
Which patient is most appropriate to assign to the LPN/LVN?
Question 4 of 5
An RN tells a UAP "check the glucose" but gives no reporting parameters. Which Right of Delegation was violated?
Question 5 of 5
Which activity can the RN never delegate?