More Than Workload Distribution Delegation More Than Workload Distribution

Delegation ANA Definition “The transfer of an activity from one person to another while retaining accountability for the outcome”

Advantages of Using UAP’s Ability to meet patient care needs more quickly Better use of RN time and education Reduction of health care costs Improved RN job satisfaction

Legal Basis of Delegation Contained in each State Nurse Practice Act Nurse retains responsibility Accepting important trust or duty Nurse retains accountability Being answerable or bound by obligation Nurse retains authority Right & power to decide, influence, or evaluate Nurse retains legal liability Can be found negligent for inappropriate delegation or supervision

5 “C’s” to Effective Delegation Clear, Concise, Correct, Complete Communication Clear descriptions & time limits Collaboration Receptive to input from other team members Continuity Progress reports and availability Cohesiveness Support team members with positive feedback Commitment Be a role model

What to Communicate Delegated assignment Priorities and order of completion Expected outcome When task is to be completed Report times and data expected Parameter deviations Appropriate resources

Do NOT Delegate Assessment / Evaluation Nursing diagnosis Planning Teaching **Activities that require a license in nursing and require nursing judgment

5 Rights of Delegation Right Task Right Person Repetitive , supportive, nonnursing tasks Right Person Right person to right person for right person Right Direction/Communication description with objective, limits, & expectations Right Supervision Appropriate monitoring, evaluation, & feedback Right Circumstances Appropriate setting & available resources

Steps to Successful Delegation Start with a positive attitude Clarify availability Provide appropriate clear directions Define what needs to be done, by whom, how, and when Clearly indicate priorities Verify comprehension Give and receive feedback

To Delegate or Not Consider Client’s condition Complexity of assignment Capabilities of UAP Potential for harm Supervision you will be able to provide Predictability of outcome

But I Don’t Want to Delegate Little or no exposure or experience to delegating Concern about licensure Concern for quality Difficulty asking others to do things Difficulty letting go of “tasks”