How does a nurse determine a caregiver's competency for delegated tasks?

The process of determining a caregiver's competency for delegated tasks is effectively accomplished through observation and the completion of appropriate training. This approach allows the nurse to assess the caregiver's practical skills and knowledge in real-time, ensuring they can safely and effectively perform the tasks delegated to them.

Observation is crucial because it provides direct insight into how a caregiver handles specific duties, interacts with patients, and adheres to safety protocols. Additionally, ensuring that the caregiver has completed training ensures they have the foundational knowledge required for the tasks. Together, these methods create a comprehensive evaluation of the caregiver's capability to execute delegated responsibilities safely.

The other options do not provide a reliable or holistic assessment of competency. Relying solely on years of experience may overlook the actual skills a caregiver has developed. Personal opinions may lack objective measures of competency, and using only written tests fails to gauge real-world application and practical skills. Thus, the combination of observation and training completion is the most effective method for determining a caregiver's readiness for delegated tasks.