Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 8 August 2010
By Lawrence H. Plawecki, RN, JD, LLM; David W. Amrhein, MD
ABSTRACT
As the American population of older adults increases and the nursing shortage widens, professional nurses caring for older adults are often confronted with managing an increased number of patients. To care for more patients safely and cost effectively, many health care facilities and organizations are creating positions for and utilizing a large number of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Although unlicensed, these health care workers have become a fixture in health care facilities, especially those that care for older adults. To provide competent care for a larger population of patients, the professional nurse has had to become proficient in delegation. While delegating tasks to UAP may seem like a quick and easy determination, a great deal of accountability, responsibility, and liability is placed on the health care facility and the individual nurses.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Mr. Plawecki is Registered Nurse, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, and Dr. Amrhein is Resident Physician, Family Practice Medicine, Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Lawrence H. Plawecki, RN, JD, LLM, Registered Nurse, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, 4141 Shore Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46254; e-mail: Lawrence.plawecki@gmail.com.
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100712-01
