A licensed practical/vocational nurse (LP/VN) is working with a nursing assistant (NA) on a team on a geriatric unit. The LP/VN delegated the morning care for four clients to the NA

Question

The NA did not perform all of the tasks delegated by the LP/VN. Which should be the best course of action for the LP/VN as a leader?
A) Reevaluate the tasks assigned to determine if the assignment was reasonable.
B) Assign the tasks not completed to another NA.
C) Complete the tasks not completed by the NA.
D) Report the NA to the team leader because the NA should have completed the tasks.

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
A leader is a person who, through leadership skills, is able to get others to follow his or her plan to achieve specific goals. The best course of action for the LP/VN is to reevaluate the tasks delegated to the NA to determine if the assignment was too heavy, or beyond the estimated capabilities of the NA, or if there were unforeseen circumstances that made it impossible for the NA to complete the tasks on time. The reevaluation process will open the channels of communication and help build team work. The LP/VN should not assign the tasks to another NA. If the assignment was reasonable and the NA was not working to his/her full potential, then providing more tasks to another NA who does work to their full potential will lead to burnout and resentment for that NA. The LP/VN should not complete the NA's tasks because the LP/VN takes on additional tasks that may jeopardize ability to provide safe and effective care for the clients. The LP/VN should not report the NA to the leader because it jeopardizes effective lines of communication and team work in the future, if there was a reasonable explanation why the NA was not able to perform the tasks.