What it means
In nursing, supervision is the oversight a nurse gives when assigning or delegating work: giving directions, being available, checking that the task is done correctly and stepping in if needed. RNs supervise LPN/VNs and assistive personnel; how closely depends on the task, the client's condition and the staff member's skill.
For the nurse
Supervising includes checking the results, such as the vital signs a UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry recorded, and acting on anything abnormal. If a staff member does a task unsafely, stop it, make the client safe, then teach or report.
At a glance
| Spanish | supervisar |
|---|---|
| Also written | supervising, supervision, supervises, supervised |
Related terms
UAP
Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.
assign
To give a staff member the care of a client, or tasks that are already part of that person's usual job and allowed by their license.
delegate
To hand a specific nursing task to another trained person while the nurse stays responsible for the client.
accountability
Being answerable for your own decisions, actions and the results of the care you give or hand to others.