Nursing Delegation Essay

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Nursing shortages and the need to cut costs in health care organizations has led to an increase in the use of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel to perform tasks which RNs performed in the past (Kleinman & Saccamano, 2006, p.164). Effective delegation is necessary to provide patient care. The RN must know the laws of the state (nurse practice act) regarding tasks that may be delegated and also be aware of any organizational policies which spell out tasks which may be entrusted to UAP (Finkelman, 2012, p. 402). The RN maintains accountability, responsibility, and liability for the task which is delegated (Finkelman, 2012, p. 404; Kleinman & Saccomano, 2006, p.166). Using critical thinking and nursing judgment, the delegating RN must determine which tasks may be safely delegated, and communicate the task to be performed, instructions, and expectations to the appropriate, competent UAP (Finkelman, 2012, p.408-410). Open communication is imperative for effective delegation (Finkelman, 2012, p. 410). As the task is performed, the RN supervises and monitors the UAP (Finkelman, 2012, p. 411). Once the task is completed, evaluation is performed and feedback is given to the UAP in regards to the performance of the delegated task (Finkelman, 2012, p. 411). The obstacles to effective delegation can be summarized as belonging to one of three general groups: communication, interpersonal relationships, and knowledge. Ineffective communication impedes effective delegation since delegation relies on sharing findings and knowledge (Finkelman, 2012, p. 412). Weak interpersonal relationships foster a lack of trust and confidence, fear of disapproval or of losing control, or feeling that that no one can perform a task as well as you (Finkelman, 2012, p. 412-413). I witnessed a nursing tech who has been employed by my hospital for 30 years, telling a young new nurse “the

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