The nurse manager reviews the national effort to define the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel. In 2007, the American Nurses Association made recommendations for a national and/or state policy for nursing assistive personnel. What are the six actions that should be taken to create a national and/or state policy agenda about the educational preparation of unlicensed assistive personnel and the competencies they should have for safe practice? 2. The need in health care today is for today’s nurses to have highly deve

QUESTION

The increased use of unlicensed assistive personnel presents both opportunities and challenges for the American health care system. The nurse manager has to deal with the challenge that unlicensed assistive personnel only be used to provide personal care needs or nursing tasks that do not require the skill and judgment of the RN.

1. The nurse manager reviews the national effort to define the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel. In 2007, the American Nurses Association made recommendations for a national and/or state policy for nursing assistive personnel. What are the six actions that should be taken to create a national and/or state policy agenda about the educational preparation of unlicensed assistive personnel and the competencies they should have for safe practice?

2. The need in health care today is for today’s nurses to have highly developed delegation skills in working effectively and efficiently with unlicensed assistive personnel. This is critical to ensure the clients’ needs are met and their safety is not jeopardized. What are the key general principles that the nurse manager needs to review with professional registered nurses in delegating to unlicensed assistive personnel?

ANSWER

 The Use of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel in the American Health Care System: Opportunities and Challenges

Introduction

The increased utilization of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the American health care system has brought forth both opportunities and challenges. Nurse managers play a crucial role in navigating this landscape, ensuring that UAP are utilized appropriately while upholding patient safety and quality of care. In this essay, we will explore two key aspects related to the use of UAP in healthcare. First, we will examine the actions recommended by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to establish a national and/or state policy agenda regarding the educational preparation and competencies of UAP. Second, we will discuss the key general principles that nurse managers should review with professional registered nurses when delegating tasks to UAP.

Creating a National and/or State Policy Agenda for UAP

In 2007, the American Nurses Association put forth recommendations to guide the development of a national and/or state policy agenda for UAP. These actions are essential to ensure that UAP possess the necessary education and competencies for safe practice. The six actions that should be taken are as follows:

Define the role and responsibilities of UAP: Clearly articulate the tasks and activities that UAP are authorized to perform, ensuring they align with their educational preparation and scope of practice.

Establish educational requirements: Develop standardized educational programs or curricula for UAP, emphasizing the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care. These programs should address basic healthcare principles, infection control, communication skills, and ethical considerations.

 Define competencies: Identify the core competencies that UAP must possess to demonstrate safe practice. This includes competencies related to patient safety, infection control, basic nursing skills, communication, and ethical behavior.

Develop certification or licensure requirements: Implement a formal certification or licensure process to ensure that UAP meet established educational and competency standards. This could involve a combination of written examinations, skills assessments, and ongoing professional development.

Establish scope of practice guidelines: Clearly delineate the specific tasks and activities that UAP are authorized to perform, while emphasizing the need for ongoing supervision and collaboration with registered nurses.

Create regulatory oversight: Develop regulatory mechanisms at the national and/or state level to monitor and enforce compliance with educational, competency, and scope of practice requirements. This may involve establishing governing bodies, reviewing and approving educational programs, and conducting regular audits or inspections.

Principles of Delegation for Nurse Managers

Effective delegation is vital for nurse managers to ensure that the needs of patients are met while maintaining their safety. When delegating tasks to UAP, nurse managers should review the following key general principles with professional registered nurses:

 Right Task: Select tasks that are within the UAP’s scope of practice and aligned with their competencies. Avoid delegating tasks that require the professional judgment and decision-making abilities of registered nurses.

 Right Circumstance: Assess the patient’s condition and the complexity of the task to determine if it is appropriate for delegation. Consider factors such as stability, predictability, and potential risks.

Right Person: Ensure that the UAP is qualified and competent to perform the delegated task. Provide appropriate training, supervision, and support to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Right Communication: Clearly communicate the expectations, instructions, and desired outcomes of the delegated task. Promote open lines of communication and encourage feedback to address any concerns or questions.

 Right Supervision: Provide ongoing supervision and monitoring of the delegated task. Assess the UAP’s performance, provide feedback, and intervene if necessary to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Right Evaluation: Evaluate the outcomes of the delegated task and assess the effectiveness of the delegation process. Identify areas for improvement and provide constructive feedback to enhance future delegation practices.

Conclusion

The utilization of unlicensed assistive personnel presents both opportunities and challenges for the American health care system. By implementing a national and/or state policy agenda and adhering to key principles of delegation, nurse managers can maximize the benefits of UAP while maintaining patient safety and quality of care. Collaboration, education, and clear communication are essential in establishing a framework that ensures the effective and appropriate utilization of UAP in the healthcare setting.