[Grace]

After graduation, you have received your temporary RN registration and are working in a long-term care home. You have several patients that require the use of a mechanical lift to transfer to their wheelchairs. The PSWs on the floor are familiar with the lift however today there was a new PSW on the unit and she will need teaching around this for her first patient. Are you able to delegate this task to the PSW? Y/N and why?

[Kerisha]

No, temporary class nurses do not have the authority to delegate.

[Nicole]

The PSW needs to have training on the mechanical lift prior to attempting to transfer any patients, ensuring competency. Additionally, temporary class Registered Nurses cannot delegate tasks.

[Amber]

The PSW will need to be taught how to use the equipment properly prior to using them on a patient to ensure safety. The temporary class RN cannot delegate the task. They can teach the PSW how to use the lift and stay with them to complete all of the lifts with them to ensure follow up and correct use, but the RN will need to complete the task with the assistance of the newly taught PSW.

[Christina]

Since I have a temporary RN registration, I can assist with training/teaching the new PSW, with the help of one of the other PSWs on the floor, who is already very familiar with the lift.
However, after training is complete, I will not have the authority to delegate the new skill to the new PSW.
The next step of delegation has to be directed by a nurse registered in the General or Extended Class.

[Journa]

As a new graduate with a temporary class registration, I can assist and work in collaboration with a PSW, but I am not allowed to delegate tasks to a PSW.

[Hannah]

No, you should not delegate this task to the new PSW without proper supervision and training. As a newly registered nurse, it is your responsibility to ensure that all staff, including PSWs, are competent and confident in using equipment such as mechanical lifts. Delegating the task to a new PSW who has not yet been trained on the use of the lift could pose a safety risk to both the patient and the PSW. Proper training and supervision are essential to ensure safe and effective care. You should provide the necessary teaching and closely supervise the new PSW until you are confident in their ability to perform the task safely and correctly.

[Dagnachew]

Yes, I can delegate this task to the PSW, but with specific conditions. As an RN with temporary registration, I am responsible for ensuring that the PSW is competent to perform the task safely and effectively.

[Susuana]

Yes, as a Registered Nurse (RN), I can delegate this task to the Personal Support Worker (PSW). However, I have to make sure the PSW is competent for the task.

[Sarah]

No. This kind of task needs to be taught by an RN because teachings are done by RN.

[Judy]

This task will be taught to a staff member that has been hired by the agency, the onus should be placed on the agency to provide the proper training, hopefully, Occ Health. I would delegate this teaching to a PSW only if I was competent that they are able to provide safe teaching. I would also watch the new PSW use the lift to ensure they are capable of using the lift.

[Poonam]

No, a temporary RN cannot delegate a task to PSW. They can be a part of training the new PSW but with a trained PSW. Delegating would be against the safety of the residents and also the registration status of the nurse matters in this regard.

[Terry]

As a temporary RN you are not able to delegate this task to the new PSW. With a temporary RN registration you are not authorized to delegate.

[Kent]

Yes, as a temporarily registered RN, you can delegate the task of using a mechanical lift to the PSW, provided certain conditions are met.

Delegation is permitted when you ensure the PSW has received adequate training and has demonstrated competence in safely performing the task. Since the new PSW requires teaching, you must first provide proper instruction, supervision, and assessment of their ability to use the lift according to the care home’s policies and procedures. It is your professional responsibility to ensure patient safety and confirm that the PSW is competent and comfortable with the task before delegating. Additionally, you remain accountable for the delegation process and its outcomes.

[Dorcas]

No, I cannot delegate this task to the PSW because temporary class nurses do not have the authority to delegate. Even though I can support the PSW by providing guidance and teaching, I am not allowed to formally transfer the responsibility for this task. Delegation requires full registration as a nurse, so until then, I must follow the rules set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and work within my scope.

[Asel]

As a new graduate with a temporary class registration, you cannot delegate tasks to others, including PSWs. Nurses in the temporary class are restricted from delegating controlled acts or tasks to unregulated care providers, as per the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) guidelines. Instead, your role is to work collaboratively with the PSW by providing guidance and support while ensuring patient safety. You can assist the PSW by teaching and supervising them as they perform the task but cannot formally delegate responsibilities. This restriction remains until you are fully registered as an RN.

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