Module 9 Flashcards
What is delegation?
Transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task from one individual to the next while retaining accountability for the outcome
What is accountability?
Being able to answer to your own actions or choices
What is the goal of delegation?
To help free the nurse to complete more complex tasks
Healthcare changes that result in delegation?
- Focus on safety&quality, demands changes to be delivered
- Greater technology, increased cost to provide care
- Increase in co-pay and as a result we will be more knowledgeable, increase in acuity = increase in priority
- All in All: these factors increase the staffing to meet the demands
What should the RN know before delegating?
- How to delegate tasks appropriately
- Be aware of the nurse practice act of the state you are working in
- Policies and procedures of hospital you are working for
True or False: Nurse practice act rules supersedes the hospitals rules.
True!
Always do what BEFORE delegating a task?
Assess the patient!
Explain delegaTOR accountability
Act of delegation and supervision
Assessment of the situation and patient
Follow-up/evaluation
DelegaTEE accountability
Responsible for OWN actions
accepts delegated task
Appropriate notification and reporting
Asking for help/assistance as needed
Clarification with questions as needed
Factors to consider BEFORE delegating?
Is there a potential for harm?
Task complexity?
Nursing judgement needs?
Outcome predictability?
Level of interaction (Emotional support, teaching)?
What 3 things should an RN NEVER delegate?
- Nursing process besides implementation
- Patient education
- Clinical/nursing judgement
What are the FIVE RIGHTS to delegation?
Right Task: fall within job description and P&P of org
Right Circumstance: pt stable and task does NOT require nursing judgement
Right Person: appropriate knowledge and competency
Right Direction/Communication: clear instructions and how to report back
Right Supervision: evaluate pt’s condition, outcomes of the task, and documentation
THREE types PROBLEMS with delegation?
Underdelegating (not enough being delegated)
Overdelegating (too much being delegated)
Improper (wrongfully delegating)
Reasons for UNDER delegating?
no trust in nursing assistants
not enough time to explain the task
lack of experience as RN
cannot anticipate the need for help
may not be equipped to direct the person
Reasons for OVER delegating taks?
if they don’t know how to do something they’ll hand it off to someone else.
dependent on UAP because you are comfortable with them.
Give too much authority to some people
