The LPN/LVN charge nurse at the long-term care facility has assigned a newly licensed LPN/LVN to care for a resident needing a colostomy irrigation. The new LPN/LVN voices concern, because he has never performed a colostomy irrigation. What would be the best course of action for the LPN/LVN charge nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This action provides the supervision the new employee needs, and the new LPN/LVN probably will be capable of performing the task independently in the future. Stating, "A colostomy irrigation is just like giving an enema. You'll be fine" does not recognize the need for supervision. Telling the new employee that the charge nurse will do the irrigation while the LPN/LVN cares for other assigned residents increases the workload of the charge nurse with no change in the employee's capabilities. Delegating the procedure to a willing nursing assistant would be inappropriate. The delegate should be competent, and the delegation should be acceptable according to state and agency policy.

The LPN/LVN Charge Nurse at the Long-Term Care Facility Has