A nurse asks you to perform a task that is not within your scope of practice. What is your best response?

A nurse asks you to perform a task that is not within your scope of practice. What is your best response?

• A. Tell the nurse that if he gives you written instructions that you will perform the task
• B. Politely remind the nurse that the task is not within your scope of practice
• C. Inform the nurse that you are going to the director of nursing to report him for asking you to do something that is not within your scope of practice
• D. Tell the nurse that you cannot perform the task, but you can find a NA who will

Answer: (B)

Adhering to your scope of practice and professional boundaries is essential in nursing assistant work. When a nurse asks you to perform something outside what you’re trained and allowed to do, the best response is to politely remind the nurse that the task is not within your scope of practice. This sets a clear boundary, shows you know your role, and invites proper action—such as reassigning the task to someone authorized or providing direction through the facility’s policies. If you’re unsure, you should consult the unit policy or ask for clarification from a supervisor before proceeding. Other options can blur boundaries or delay safe care. Trying to proceed with “written instructions” still asks you to do something beyond your scope, which isn’t appropriate. Reporting the nurse to the director or trying to find another NA to do the task shifts responsibility and could put the patient at risk. The key is to respond respectfully, stay within your allowed duties, and use the chain of command to resolve the request.

Adhering to your scope of practice and professional boundaries is essential in nursing assistant work. When a nurse asks you to perform something outside what you’re trained and allowed to do, the best response is to politely remind the nurse that the task is not within your scope of practice. This sets a clear boundary, shows you know your role, and invites proper action—such as reassigning the task to someone authorized or providing direction through the facility’s policies. If you’re unsure, you should consult the unit policy or ask for clarification from a supervisor before proceeding.

Other options can blur boundaries or delay safe care. Trying to proceed with “written instructions” still asks you to do something beyond your scope, which isn’t appropriate. Reporting the nurse to the director or trying to find another NA to do the task shifts responsibility and could put the patient at risk. The key is to respond respectfully, stay within your allowed duties, and use the chain of command to resolve the request.