EFFECTIVE
DELEGATION
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
WHAT IS DELEGATION?
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Delegation is a complex process in professional
practice, requiring sophisticated clinical
judgment and final accountability for patients’
care.
The process of transferring the responsibility for
a specific task to another member and
empowering that individual to accomplish the
task effectively
Used properly, it can enhance the effect on
patient care.
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In 2005, ANA and NCSBN both defined
delegation as the process for a nurse to direct
another person to perform nursing tasks and
activities.
NCSBN describes this as the nurse
transferring authority while ANA calls this a
transfer of responsibility.
Both mean that a registered nurse (RN) can
direct another individual to do something that
that person would not normally be allowed to
do.
Two-way process
The delegator is
accountable for:
 The act of delegation.
 Supervising the
performance of the
delegated task.
 Assessment and
follow-up evaluation.
 Any intervention or
corrective actions that
may be required to
ensure safe and
effective care.
The delegatee is
accountable for:
 His / her own actions.
 Accepting delegation
within the parameters
of his / her training
and education.
 Communicating the
appropriate
information to the
delegator.
 Completing the task.
Five rights of delegation
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The right task
Right circumstances
Right person
Right direction and communication
Right supervision
Elements in Delegation
Authority: the right to act or empower.
 Accountability: being responsible and
answerable for your own actions
 Responsibility: the obligation to act.
 Autonomy: the freedom to act
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It’s a step by step process
How to delegate effectively?
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Encourage great communication and continuous learning
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Provide coaching
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Encourage staff to share their special interests and time availability
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Build trusting relationships
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Avoid difficult tasks on staff
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Try to delegate projects that spark interest
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Try to delegate projects or tasks that pave the way for career
development
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Try to delegate very structured assignments to a less skilled staff
member, provide support - so as to build confidence and competence
Why Delegate?
Improve Quality
 Even Distribution of work
 Saves Time
 Develops People’s Skill and Ability
 Helps in Succession
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Benefits of Delegation
Why Not? (Barriers to Delegation)
Delegator:
 Its too hard
 Nobody else has anytime either
 Fear of mistakes
 Fear of surrendering authority
 Insecurity
 Nobody can do it as good as I can
 In actuality, the reasons why “delegator” say they
can’t (or won’t) delegate is really a mirror of
themselves!
 One reason that has not been mentioned … they,
themselves don’t know how to delegate effectively.
Delegatee:
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Lack of experience
Lack of competence
Avoidance of responsibility
Overload of work
Confusion in responsibilities
and authorities
Improper Delegation
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Delegating at the wrong time, wrong person
and wrong reason
Delegating beyond the capability of the person
Delegating decision making without providing
adequate information
Delegation is a management
strategy that, when used
effectively, can ensure the
accomplishment of costeffective health care services.
ANY
QUESTIONS?