Nursing

High-performance teams require expert leadership skills. In a health care delivery system integrated across settings, a team environment becomes increasingly essential. Nurse managers must skillfully orchestrate the activity and interactions of interprofessional teams as well as con- ventional nursing work groups. Understanding the nature of groups and how groups are trans- formed into teams is […]

LEARNING KEY SKILLS IN NURSING MANAGEMENT M ost often, nursing occurs in a team environment. Work groups that share common objectives function in a harmonious, coordinated, purposeful manner as teams. The staff nurse is constantly involved in teamwork. The nurse/aide/unit secretary team works together every day on a nursing unit. With shared governance more often

What are your organizational policies on delegation? 142 PART 2 • LEARNING KEY SKILLS IN NURSING MANAGEMENT Austin, S. (2008). 7 legal tips for safe nursing practice. Nursing 2008, 38(3), 34–39. Bittner, N. P., & Gravlin, G. (2009). Critical thinking, delegation, and missed care in nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Administration, 39(3), 142–146. Gravlin, G.,

How is delegation defined? Questions to Challenge You 1. Review your state’s nurse practice act. How is delegation defined? What tasks can and cannot be delegated? How is supervision defined? Are there any other guidelines for supervision? Are respon- sibilities regarding advanced practice delineated? How does the scope of practice differ between registered and licensed

Delegate only tasks for which you have responsibility Tools for Delegating Successfully 1. Delegate only tasks for which you have responsibility. 2. Transfer authority when you delegate responsibility. 3. Be sure you follow state regulations, job descriptions, and organizational policies when delegating. 4. Follow the delegation process and key behaviors for delegating described in the

No one in health care today can afford not to delegate. What You Know Now • Delegation is a contractual agreement in which authority and responsibility for a task is transferred by the person accountable for the task to another individual. • Delegation benefits the delegator, delegate, the manager, the unit, and the organization. •

Delegation is a skill that can be learned. Like other skills, successfully delegating requires practice. Sometimes it seems it might be easier to do it yourself. But it is not. Once you learn how to delegate, you will extend your ability to accomplish more by using others’ help. By delegating appropriately, managers can role model

Under delegation occurs when ● The delegator fails to transfer full authority to the delegate; ● The delegator takes back responsibility for aspects of the task; or ● The delegator fails to equip and direct the delegate. As a result, the delegate is unable to complete the task, and the delegator must resume re- sponsibility

Fear of decreased personal job satisfaction. Because the type of tasks recommended to delegate are those that are familiar and routine, the delegator’s job satisfaction should ac- tually increase with the opportunity to explore new challenges and obtain other skills and abilities. An Unwilling Delegate Inexperience and fear of failure can motivate a potential delegate

Fear of overburdening others. They already have so much to do; how can I suggest more? Everyone has work to do. Such a statement belittles the decisional capabilities of others. Recall that delegation is a voluntary, contractual agreement; acceptance of a delegated task indicates the availability and willingness of the delegate to perform the task.