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This page is currently under review. Please see Accountability - The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Delegation - The Nursing and Midwifery CouncilThe principles of accountability and delegation are relevant to all members of the nursing team. Whether you're a nurse, health care assistant (HCA), assistant practitioner (AP), nursing associate (NA) or student, this page tells you what you need to know. AccountabilityHealth service providers are accountable to the criminal and civil courts to make sure their activities meet legal requirements. In addition, employees are accountable to their employer to follow their contract of duty. Registered practitioners are also accountable to regulatory bodies in terms of standards of practice and patient care. Registered nurses, midwives and registered nursing associates are professionally accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The law imposes a duty of care on practitioners, whether they are HCAs, APs, nursing associates, students, registered nurses, doctors or others. The duty of care applies whether they are performing straightforward activities such as bathing patients or undertaking complex surgery. Accountability and delegationRCN First StepsA programme to support you in getting started in in your health care career. All practitioners must ensure that they perform competently and that they don't work beyond their level of competence. They must inform a senior member of staff when they are unable to perform competently. To be accountable, practitioners must:
DelegationRegistered nurses have a duty of care and a legal liability to their patients. When delegating an activity, for example to an HCA or AP, they must ensure that it has been appropriately delegated. The NMC code says registrants must be accountable for their decisions to delegate tasks and duties to other people. It says they must:
Employers have responsibilities too. They must ensure their staff are trained and supervised properly until they are competent. Employers accept vicarious liability for their employees. This means that if their employees are working within their sphere of competence and in connection with their employment, the employer is also accountable for their actions. Principles of delegation
A guide for the nursing teamAn RCN guide to accountability and delegation in the workplace for the nursing team. RCN membershipIf you provide health or social care under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse, midwife, or health visitor, and are not on a professional register, you could be eligible to join the RCN. Accountability and delegation
Which action should nurse implement to assess for jugular vein distention?Which action should the nurse implement to assess for jugular vein distention (JVD) in a client with heart failure (HF)? Observe the vertical distention of the veins as the client is gradually elevated to an upright position.
What action should the nurse implement to prevent the formation of a sacral ulcer for a client who is immobile?What action should the nurse implement to prevent the formation of a sacral ulcer for a client who is immobile? Position prone with a small pillow below the diaphragm.
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