The preceptor nurse delegates a complex nursing procedure to a newly licensed nurse. The new nurse makes an error, which results in the patient's death. Does the preceptor hold any liability in this case?
A) Yes, but only because the event resulted in patient demise.
B) Yes, the preceptor is responsible for delegating appropriately and supervising completion of tasks.
C) No, since the new nurse has a license, all liability is retained by the new nurse.
D) No, since the new nurse is employed by the medical facility, all liability is corporate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: The fact that the event resulted in patient demise is not the deciding factor is whether the preceptor holds liability.
Rationale 2: Since the nurse in this case was newly licensed and the task delegated was complex, the preceptor does share liability. It could be shown that the task was delegated inappropriately and that the preceptor did not supervise the task correctly.
Rationale 3: The person delegating tasks must be certain that the person being delegated to is competent to perform the task.
Rationale 4: Nurses are liable for their actions.

The Preceptor Nurse Delegates a Complex Nursing Procedure to a Newly