Delegation and Assignment

Delegation is the transfer of authority to perform a nursing task to a competent individual while retaining accountability for the outcome. It is one of the most frequently tested topics on NCLEX-RN because errors in delegation cause patient harm and represent failures of professional nursing judgment. In Canada, delegation occurs within the framework of provincial regulatory bodies (e.g. CNO in Ontario, BCCNPS in BC) and employer policy. The RN retains accountability regardless of who performs the delegated task. The critical rule: delegation never transfers accountability — the RN is always responsible for appropriate task assignment and patient outcome. Delegation must be distinguished from assignment (directing a team member to perform tasks within their own scope) — you assign tasks to RNs/RPNs; you delegate tasks outside the normal scope to unlicensed personnel or other regulated staff.