Exam #2: Delegation Flashcards
Definitions of Deligation
- Getting work done through others
- Directing the performance of one or more people to accomplish organizational goals
- Giving someone else the authority to complete a task or action on your behalf
- Transfer or hand-off to a competent individual, the authority to perform a task/activity in a specific setting/situation
Strategies for Successful Delegation
- Plan ahead.
- Identify necessary skill and education levels to complete the delegated task.
- Select capable personnel.
- Communicate goals clearly.
- Empower the delegate.
- Set deadlines and monitor progress.
- Monitor the role and provide guidance.
- Evaluate performance.
- Reward accomplishment.
State NPA Essential Elements Regarding Delegation
- State’s NPA definition of delegation
- Items that cannot be delegated
- Items that cannot be routinely delegated
- Guidelines for RNs about tasks that can be delegated
- Description of professional nursing practice
- Description of LVN/LPN nursing practice and unlicensed nursing roles
- Degree of supervision required to complete a task
- The guidelines for lowering delegation risks
- Warnings about inappropriate delegation
- If there is a restricted use of the word “nurse” to licensed staff
Common Delegation Errors
- Underdelegating
- Overdelegating
- Improper delegating
Causes of Underdelegating
- Fear that delegation may be interpreted as a lack of ability to do the job completely or correctly
- A desire to complete the whole job himself or herself
- Fear that subordinates will resent delegated work
- Lack of experience in the job or with delegation, or the need to control or be perfect
- Enjoyment of the work
Causes of Overdelegating
- Poor management of time; spending too much time trying to get organized
- Insecurity in the ability to perform a task
Causes of Improperly Delegating
- Wrong time, to the wrong person, or for the wrong reason
- Beyond the capability of the person, or something the manager should do
- Decision making without providing adequate information
What are the five rights of delegation?
- Right task (one that is delegable for a specific patient)
- Right circumstances (appropriate patient setting, available resources and other relevant factors considered)
- Right person (right person is delegating the right tasks to the right person to be performed on the right person)
- Right direction/communication (clear, concise descriptions of the task, including its objective, limits, and expectations)
- Right levels of supervision (appropriate monitoring, evaluation, intervention, as needed, and feedback)
Rules of Delegation
- Always delegate to the right person, at the right time, and for the right reason.
- Say no when you must.
- Reward subordinates for jobs well done.
Tell whether the statement is true or false:
It is always a bad idea to decline when one delegates a
task to you in a professional setting.
A. True
B. False
B. False
Rationale: There are occasions when it is advisable to say no to a delegated task (e.g., if taking on the task would compromise your ability to perform other necessary aspects of your job).
Tell whether the statement is true or false:
One drawback of delegation is that it diminishes one’s
power.
A. True
B. False
B. False
Rationale: Delegating tasks actually increases
the supervisor’s power.
Clear Communication and Delegation
- Define the task clearly.
- Delineate end results, time frame, and standards.
- Delegate the objective, not the procedure.
Delegation as a Function of Professional Nursing
- Organizations must have a clearly defined structure where RNs are recognized as the leaders.
- Job descriptions must clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all.
- Educational programs must be developed to help personnel learn roles and responsibilities of each other’s roles.
- Adequate programs must be developed to foster leadership and delegation.
Types of UAP and NAP
- Nurse extenders
- Care partners
- Nurse’s aides
- Orderlies
- Assistants
- Attendants
- HCAs
- Technicians
In assigning task to NAP, the RN must be aware of
The job description, knowledge base and demonstrated skills of each person