What should a charge nurse consider when making patient care assignments?

When making patient care assignments, it is crucial for the charge nurse to retain tasks that only registered nurses (RNs) are qualified to perform. This approach ensures that complex, critical, or specialized tasks are handled by those with the appropriate training and expertise, thus maintaining a high standard of patient care and safety.

RNs have received extensive training and education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. Certain tasks, such as administering medications, performing assessments, or managing care plans, require the clinical judgment and decision-making skills that are characteristic of RNs. By retaining these tasks, the charge nurse ensures that patients receive the necessary level of care and that safety protocols are adhered to.

In contrast, delegating tasks that should only be performed by RNs to other staff members, such as unlicensed assistive personnel, could lead to inadequate care or potential harm. Therefore, the charge nurse plays a vital role in balancing the delegation of responsibilities while ensuring that patient care remains effective and safe.