Delegation and Collaborative Practice

Question 1

What is the definition of delegation (in Saskatchewan)?

Answer 1

the transfer of responsibility for a task when it is not part of the scope of practice of the care provider. The care provider performing the task must be accountable and competent in performing the delegated task”

Question 2

What are the five “Rights” of delegation?

Answer 2

1. Right task
2. Right circumstances
3. Using the Right person
4. Right direction and communication
5. Right supervision

Question 3

What are five obstacles to delegation?

Answer 3

1. Under delegation
2. Over delegation
3. Improper delegation
4. Resistance
5. Unclear communication

Question 4

What are four critical issues and factors of delegation?

Answer 4

1. CRNBC
2. Scope of practice
3. Unions
4. Standards of care

Question 5

What is “scope of practice”?

Answer 5

Range of activities a nurse may perform as stipulated by statue. Legally defined within each province

It is the activities that nurses are educated and authorized to perform as established through legislated definitions of nursing practice and complemented by standards, guidelines and policy positions issued by nursing regulatory bodies (CRNBC Ng. Practice Guidelines).

Question 6

What is “responsibility” in nursing?

Answer 6

Responsibility involves reliability, dependability and the obligation to accomplish work.

Question 7

What is “accountability” in nursing?

Answer 7

RNs and LPNs are accountable for their actions and related consequences including the initiation and follow through of the nursing process.

Question 8

What is “authority”? (What is authority based on?)

Answer 8

Authority refers to a person’s right to delegate, based on the provincial nursing scope of practice and based on that person also receiving official power from an agency to delegate.

Question 9

What is the difference between assigning and delegating?

Answer 9

Assigning refers to the work each person is to accomplish in a designated work period. It is also the transference of both responsibility and accountability.

Delegation occurs when the task is outside the role description and training. Only delegate those things which are not already in the scope of practice.

Question 10

What are the CRNBC conditions to delegation?

Answer 10

Safety and well-being of the patient is not jeopardized.
Agency policies support delegation of certain tasks.
Delegatee must have sufficient direction, education and supervision/support to perform the task properly.
Responsibility and accountability is clear and agreed to by everyone

Question 11

What are some key guidelines for good delegation?

Answer 11

Start with a positive attitude
Clarify availability
Carefully consider how directions are given during delegation
Directions need to be clear
Be fair about undesirable activities.
Indicate priorities- should be clear to delegate
Give and receive feedback

Question 12

What is collaborative practice?

Answer 12

Establishing and maintaining effective working partnerships with other professionals, patients/clients, families, other teams, organizations and individuals to achieve common goals (College of Health Disciplines, UBC & Interprofessional Network of BC, 2008)

Question 13

What are the key elements of collaborative practice?

Answer 13

Partnership
Interdependence
Collective ownership and responsibility

Question 14

What are six strategies that facilitate collaborative practice?

Answer 14

1. Communication skills
2. Staff awareness
3. Staff decision making
4. Coordination
5. Develop negotiation skills
6. Assessment skills

Question 15

What are six barriers to effective collaborative practice?

Answer 15

1. Lack of Interprofessional Understanding
2. Lack of Resources
3. Inadequate Communication
4. Level of Responsibility
5. Risk for burnout and conflict
6. Stress of shifting healthcare system