Delegation

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specimen collection (urine, stool, sputum)

oxygen set up

pulse oximeter equipment application

wall suction equipment set up

emptying of wall suctions

dipstick urinalysis

capillary blood glucose testing

shave preps

phlebotomy (if individual title/position and main function is primarily as a lab tech or blood drawer)

enema administration (small volume, commercially prepared only)

EKG

oral suctioning

vital signs

splinting (extremity casting with plaster/fiberglass not delegated)

urinary catheterization

Which steps of the Nursing Process can be delegated?

A - vital signs can be delegated; however interpretation of the assessment data can not be delegated.

D - not delegated

P - not delegated

I - some tasks may be delegated (hygiene, feeding, ambulating)

E - not delegated

Delegation is multifaceted

RN is ALWAYS accountable

The 5 Rights of Delegation

Right Task: the right tasks is one that you delegate for a specific patient such as tasks that are repetitive, require little supervision, are relatively noninvasive, have results that are predictable, and have potential minimal risks.

Right Circumstances: consider the appropriate patient setting, available resources, and other relevant factors. In an acute care setting patients' conditions often change quickly. Use good clinical decision making to determine what to delegate.

Right Person: the right person is delegating the right tasks to the right person to be performed on the right person.

Right Direction/Communication: you give a clear, concise description of the task, including its objective, limits, and expectations. Communication needs to be ongoing between the registered nurse and the NAP during a shift of care.

Right Supervision/Evaluation: Provide appropriate monitoring, evaluation, intervention as needed, and feedback. NAP need to feel comfortable asking questions and seeking assistance.

The American Nurses Association defined delegation as transferring responsibility for the performance of an activity or task while retaining accountability for th e outcome.

Delegation results in achievement of quality patient care, improved efficiency, increased productivity, empowered staff, and development of others.

Successful delegation is important to the RN-NAP relationship and their willingness to work together.

As the leader of the health care team, the RN gives clear instructions, effectively prioritizes patient needs and therapies, and gives staff timely and meaningful feedback.

Tips on appropriate delegation:

assess the knowledge and skills of the delegatee

match tasks to the delegatee's skills

communicate clearly

listen attentively

positive feedback