Chapter 26

Delegation: An Art of Professional Practice

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Objectives

Define delegation and its component parts. Evaluate how tasks and relationships influence delegation to a specific individual. Comprehend the legal authority for a registered nurse to delegate. Value the complexity of decision making related to delegation.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Delegation

Achieving performance of care outcomes for which you are accountable and responsible by sharing activities with other individuals who have the appropriate authority to accomplish the work

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Delegation: Exploring the Definition

Achieving outcomes Delegator vs. delegatee Authority vs. responsibility

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Delegation: Exploring the Definition

(contd)

Assignment vs. delegation Accountability

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Organizational Accountability

Making solid decisions depends on how well the organization provides adequate resources, including appropriate staffing.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Delegation: Exploring the Definition

Sharing activities Span of control

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

What You Need to Know About Delegation

Why to do it When to use it Whom to delegate to How to do it What to consider in delegation

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Why Delegate?

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

When to Use It

Sometimes the need to use delegation is obvious. Other times, the need to use delegation is not so obvious.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Whom to Delegate to

Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) Unlicensed nursing personnel (UNP): nurse aides, orderlies, patient care assistants, unit clerks

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Who Are They?

Know what the organizational policy says. Know what the position descriptions say. Know how the individuals perform.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Who Are They? (contd)

Know what else an individual is responsible for. Know an individuals knowledge, skill, and attitude about specific tasks.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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How to Delegate
The approach to delegation depends on whether an individual is assigned to work with you or whether an individual is working with a group.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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How to Delegate (contd)

State the name and room number of the patient for whom you are making an assignment. State what task is to be performed and validate that the delegatee is able to perform this without supervision.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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How to Delegate (contd)

Provide timelines (when, time range, frequency). Detail any specific approach to be used. Set reporting parameters (when, how often, under what circumstances).

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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What to Consider in Delegation

How long the person has worked with the specific patient population Whether this person is an organizational employee or a contracted employee What is happening in the larger context of the persons life Whether delegation is safe for the patient

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Delegation: Getting to the Right Answers

The right task The right circumstances The right person

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Delegation: Getting to the Right Answers

(contd)

The right direction/communication The right supervision

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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The Context of the Organization

Examples include: Hospital ICU Community clinic Rural hospital Large healthcare organization

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Delegation Is

A way to expand your available talents A way to ensure presence for the patient A challenge to assure adequate performance of skills by the delegatee A time-consuming AND time-saving strategy

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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