Delegation is defined as “transferring to a qualified unlicensed personnel the responsibility to perform a selected nursing task or activity in a selected patient situation that is within the job description of the one delegating” (deWit, Stromberg, & Dallred, 2017, p. 3). There are five rights that should be followed when delegating. Before delegating a task you must determine the person is competent to perform the task. Is it in their scope of practice? Are they skilled and knowledgeable enough to perform the task? Before delegating to a UAP the patient must be stable. You must communicate what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and what things they should report back to you. Ask them to repeat what is it that needs to be done to ensure that they understand what you’re asking of them. Always be appreciative and thank them when the task is complete. Offer praise for …show more content…
When you delegate, the task is still your responsibility. Some examples of tasks you may delegate to a UAP would be vital signs, bed baths, changing linens, feeding patients, or turning patients. Some tasks that should not be delegated to a UAP would include Foley catheter removal, discontinuation of a saline lock, or medication administration. Some examples of things I have delegated would be asking a classmate or UAP to get vital signs or to check a blood sugar for me.
In conclusion, my delegation style will be more hands on until I know and trust my UAP. Because the task is ultimately my responsibility, I will work with my UAP to ensure that tasks are being carried out according to the facility’s policy and procedures. This style, I feel, would allow for teaching opportunities in any areas that the UAP may need guidance. Once I am sure that the UAP has mastered a task I will assist when needed but trust them when I need their