Discussion Question: Below are some common delegation issues with

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Introduction: Delegation is an essential skill for nurses to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of patient care. However, issues related to delegation can occur, such as over-delegation, under-delegation, and refusal to accept a legitimate delegation. As a medical professor, it is important to teach students about delegation and how to address these issues effectively.

Over-delegation: An example of over-delegation is when a nurse asks a colleague to pass medications and sign off on orders because they are too busy. In this case, it is important to remind the nurse that passing medications and signing off on orders is within their scope of practice, and they need to take responsibility for their actions. If the nurse continues to over-delegate, it may lead to medication errors and jeopardize patient safety.

Under-delegation: An example of under-delegation is when a nurse insists on doing a task themselves, even though they can delegate it to a nursing assistant. For instance, a nursing assistant may offer to assist with bathing a patient, but the nurse refuses and insists on doing it themselves because they have had issues with the nursing assistant in the past. In this case, it is important to address the nurse’s concerns and provide guidance on how to delegate tasks effectively. It is also important to emphasize the importance of teamwork and respect for colleagues.

Refusal to accept assignment of legitimate delegation: An example of refusal to accept a legitimate delegation is when a nursing assistant refuses to assist with a task because they feel they are already overloaded with work. In this case, it is important to provide support to the nursing assistant and discuss how to prioritize tasks effectively. It is also important to emphasize the role of delegation in improving patient outcomes and ensuring that everyone is working to their full potential.

Assignment Description:

Delegation in Practice:

According to the State Board of Nursing, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) are individuals who are trained to perform certain tasks under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or other licensed health care professional. The role of the RN is to delegate tasks to UAP based on their level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The RN remains accountable for the delegation decision and outcomes of the delegated tasks.

The responsibilities of the RN when delegating patient care tasks include assessing the patient’s needs and determining what tasks can be delegated safely and effectively. The RN must ensure that the UAP is competent and trained to perform the delegated tasks and that they have the necessary resources and support to complete them. The RN must also provide clear instructions and communicate any changes in the patient’s condition to the UAP.

The ICU environment differs significantly from a general medical-surgical unit as far as assigned responsibilities for UAP. In the ICU, UAP are often responsible for critical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, providing basic patient care, and assisting with medical procedures. This requires the UAP to have advanced training and skills, such as the ability to read and interpret EKGs and manage complex equipment. Additionally, the RN must closely supervise the UAP and provide ongoing training and support to ensure that they can perform these tasks safely and effectively.

Conclusion:

Delegation is a critical aspect of nursing practice, and it is essential for nurses to understand the issues related to delegation and how to address them effectively. By teaching students about delegation and the responsibilities of the RN, we can ensure that patient care is delivered safely and efficiently. Furthermore, understanding the differences in assigned responsibilities for UAP between different units can help ensure that these personnel are being used effectively and safely.

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