What is one of the primary duties of a nurse in a healthcare setting?

The primary duty of a nurse in a healthcare setting is to ensure the safe and effective care of patients, which includes the delegation of tasks to certified personnel. Nurses are trained to assess the needs of their patients and to determine which tasks can be assigned to other qualified individuals, such as nursing assistants or medication aides. This delegation not only helps in managing patient care efficiently but also ensures that each team member is working within their scope of practice, promoting safe patient outcomes.

In healthcare, delegation is critical as it allows nurses to focus on more complex patient care responsibilities while ensuring that routine tasks are still completed. Moreover, effective delegation requires clear communication and supervision, ensuring that all team members are adequately supported and informed about the care they are providing.

Other roles such as performing surgeries or filling medication prescriptions are typically outside the general scope of a nurse's duties or require specific qualifications or licenses that nurses may not possess. Conducting laboratory tests also usually falls under the purview of specialized technicians and not nursing practice. Therefore, delegation stands out as a core responsibility that encapsulates a nurse's role in patient care management.