Is the school registered nurse (RN) allowed to delegate enteral tube feedings, related medication administration, stoma care, irrigation/flushing, aspirating for residual, and venting with a syringe or venting with a gastric venting system of a gastrostomy tube (G-tube), such as Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube, Jejunostomy tube (J-tube), or Jejunostomy/Gastrostomy (J-G) tube, to non-credentialed staff in school settings?
Yes. The school RN is allowed to delegate G-tube feedings, related medication administration, stoma care, irrigation/flushing, aspirating for residual, and venting with a syringe or venting with a gastric venting system to a non-credentialed employee in school settings following the nurse delegation process.
Registered Nurse Delegation in School Settings Advisory Opinion
The school RN must consider the condition of the G-tube (such as maturity of stoma site, patency, and sustained skin integrity) to determine whether it’s safe to delegate. Further delegation may only occur for patients with a mature stoma site. The school RN must determine the level of monitoring needed for the individual student and the level of supervision required of the non-credentialed employee. The school RN must follow clinical practice standards.
Chapter 17 Enteral Tube Management - Nursing Skills - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Registered Nurse Delegation in School Settings Advisory Opinion
RCW 28A.210.255: Provision of Health Services in Public and Private schools—Employee Job Description
RCW 28A.210.260: Public and Private schools—Administration of Medication—Conditions