Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
These are the position statements from ANA regarding unlicensed assistive personnel. For background information regarding each of these statements, please refer to the links listed below the position statements. This information is available in the Members Only section of the site. Login required.
Registered Nurses Utilization of Nursing Assistive Personnel in All Settings - 7/13/07
The American Nurses Association (ANA) reaffirms its belief that the utilization of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) in the provision of specific aspects of direct and indirect patient care, as the result of delegation and direction by a registered nurse (RN) in accordance with state nurse practice acts, is an appropriate, safe, and resource-efficient method of providing nursing care.
Registered Nurse Education Relating To The Utilization of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel - 4/13/92
The educational preparation and clinical experiences in practice for nurses, set the frame for their individual perceptions of their scope of practice. Since there is a variation in basic nursing education, nurses in the workplace have conflicting perceptions of what constitutes a nurse's legal accountability and how and what can be delegated when working with unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPS). Clearly, the legal regulation of nursing practice is defined by each state nursing practice act, but practice acts differ reflecting the uniqueness of their history, practice and beliefs. The ANA recognizes that an understanding of the core of "what is nursing" and "what constitutes the practice of nursing" is an essential component for each nurse and each nursing service in determining the appropriate utilization of unlicensed assistive personnel.
Joint Statement on Delegation American Nurses Association (ANA) and National Council of State Boards of Nursing
The topic of delegation has never been timelier. Delegation is a process that, used appropriately, can result in safe and effective nursing care. Delegation can free the nurse for attending more complex patient care needs, develop the skills of nursing assistive personnel and promote cost containment for the healthcare organization. The RN determines appropriate nursing practice by using nursing knowledge, professional judgment and the legal authority to practice nursing. RNs must know the context of their practice, including the state nurse practice act and professional standards as well as the facility/organization’s policies and procedures related to delegation. Facing a shortage of epic proportions, the nursing community needs to plan how we can continue to accomplish nursing care while assuring the public access to safe, competent nursing care. RNs are urged to seek guidance and appropriate direction from supervisors or mentors when considering decisions about delegation. Mastering the skill and art of delegation is a critical step on the pathway to nursing excellence. Background Info