Can a nurse delegate the responsibility of giving medication to a CNA?

In the context of nursing and CNA responsibilities, a nurse cannot delegate the responsibility of administering medication to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This is primarily due to the fact that administering medications involves complex assessments, knowledge of pharmacology, and the ability to monitor a patient’s response to the medication, which goes beyond the scope of practice for CNAs.

Nursing practice is regulated by state laws, and these laws define the roles and responsibilities of nurses and CNAs. Medication administration typically requires a licensed professional due to the need to evaluate the appropriateness of the medication, dosage, and potential side effects. Nurses have the training and qualifications necessary to make these clinical decisions, whereas CNAs are trained to assist with activities of daily living and basic patient care, not medication management.

By maintaining this clear distinction in roles, healthcare facilities can ensure the safety and well-being of patients by having qualified personnel responsible for medication administration.