Through Nurse Delegation, a caregiver is “delegated” by a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide tasks that are usually performed only by an RN. Washington State law requires that when a task is delegated, specific rules are followed by the Nurse Delegator and the caregiver. The rules about how a non-RN can perform tasks, such as giving medication, are called the Nurse Delegation Program, WAC 246-840-910 to 970.
Through a comprehensive nursing assessment, the Nurse Delegator will evaluate the client's nursing care needs. If the nurse determines that Nurse Delegation is appropriate, the Nurse Delegator will teach your caregivers how to perform the task safely.
Caregivers must have completed some specific training classes and have appropriate credentials. The Nurse Delegator will review the credentials, complete any training, and supervise the caregivers at least every 90 days.
Certain tasks are prohibited from being delegated. The Nurse Delegator may never delegate procedures that are considered “sterile” or tasks that require nursing judgment. All other tasks can be delegated at the discretion of the Nurse Delegator.
What We Delegate
Puget Sound Nursing Services is contracted with Washington State to delegate the following nursing tasks to Adult Family Homes and Group Homes: - Oral medications - Topical medications - Inhalers and nebulizers - Nasal drops and sprays - Oxygen administration - Suppository administration - Ear drops - Eye drops - Catheter care - Ostomy care - Wound care - Blood glucose monitoring - Insulin injection - Vagus nerve stimulation magnet - Tube feeding
Puget Sound Nursing Services PO Box 835 Milton WA 98354 Phone 206-595-9565 Fax 253-320-2117 [email protected]