Delegation is a necessary and important skill that every registered nurse (RN) should learn to develop. With so many tasks being taken on by RNs, they should be able to determine which tasks can be delegated to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or nursing assistants, and which duties cannot be delegated.
The delegation process involves the concepts of responsibility, accountability and authority. Responsibility does not solely rely on the RN who delegates a task. The LPN or nursing assistant who accepts the duty is also accepting the responsibility for the job that needs to be done. Accountability on the other hand, means that the RN will answer for both her actions and the actions of the person to whom he delegated the task. Finally, authority is granted to the RN to assign a nursing activity to a person whom he views as competent for the job.
There are several guidelines which should be followed in delegating tasks to LPNs and nursing assistants. First, the delegation will be based on the needs of the patient, difficulty of the work, capability of the individual who will do the job, and the time that the task is to be performed. Second, in delegating a task, it is essential that the RN provides information about the patient, and specific instructions on what needs to be done. The RN should support and guide the LPN or nursing assistant. Third, delegation of duties would also depend on the state’s nurse practice act. Even with delegation, the RN must realize that ultimately he is the one accountable for the care of the patient.
Another important factor in the delegation of tasks is the good working relationship between the RNs, LPNs and nursing assistants. They should be willing to work as a team. Trust is a necessary element if the delegation process is to be effective.
Delegation of duties by RNs is not an easy task. It is a professional skill that requires critical thinking and a strong sense of trust. In the end, RNs should appreciate the help that he can get from LPNs and nursing assistants, and it is only through effective delegation that this could be accomplished.
Works Cited
Weydt, Alice. "Developing delegation skills." The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (2010).
