NUR203 - Nursing Leadership Series - Part 4: The Nurse Leader and Delegation

Course overview

Registered nurses (RNs), through state Nurse Practice Acts, have the authority to assign particular activities of care to other qualified and competent assistants while protecting the health, welfare, and safety of every patient. An RN determines the tasks that can be delegated and relies on assistive caregivers as a necessary component of safe staffing. Delegation is not a new function of professional nursing, but it is becoming increasingly important. Threats of a pending nurse shortage, mandates for reportable quality outcomes, and data supporting greater RN presence to improve nurse-sensitive measures have increased the urgency to ensure appropriate delegation by RNs. The success of delegation depends on a positive two-way relationship of mutual respect and trust between RNs and those to whom tasks are delegated. Success also requires constant evaluation, feedback, and modification to achieve the results expected to meet patient care goals.