Reply To: RNs functioning as assistants, and license rules

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#42438

Gretchen:

Thanks for sharing. I think Mary’s feedback is right on target. It is often very hard to know where the RN scope of practice starts/stops in relation to the nursing assistant role. If these individuals truly want to work as nursing assistants, please put in writing what they can and cannot do. For example, with medication management, all they will be able to do is give the pill as directed by the RN. They cannot make any decisions about doing things differently without the input of the RN. Let’s say a nursing assistant is helping to give medications and a camper says “Wait, I take two blue pills, not just one”. The nursing assistant has to tell the RN who must do the investigation and then decide on the next action step. If a camper gets hurt and injures their knee, the nursing assistant cannot make a judgment on the severity of that injury or how to treat. The RN must do that.

The nursing assistant does not have the authority other than to complete tasks as assigned to them. Just tasks – no judgment or decision-making regarding health services. Therefore, at times, you may be increasing the workload of your one nurse. However, having nursing assistants (we call them UAPs – unlicensed assistive personnel) at other times can be a real benefit. This is an interesting situation, as most new nurses, want to be a nurse, not revert to an assistant role. I am thrilled you have adequate staff, you will just need clear lines of understanding about each of their roles. I would encourage you to have them all (RN included) review the VT nursing practice act before starting camp. This may help stimulate questions or get clarification to their roles before the summer starts.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/028/01641
https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/26/028

Best to you
Tracey Gaslin