The Five Rights of Delegation
● Right task ● Right circumstances ● Right person ● Right direction and communication ● Right supervision
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2007). The five rights of delegation. Retrieved June 28, 2011 at https://www.ncsbn.org/Joint_statement.pdf
134 PART 2 • LEARNING KEY SKILLS IN NURSING MANAGEMENT
Is the task consistent with the recommended criteria for delegation to nursing assistive personnel (NAP)?
Are there agency policies, procedures and/or protocols in place for this task/activity?
Is appropriate supervision available?
Proceed with delegation
Does the nursing assistive personnel have the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) to accept the delegation?
Does the ability of the NAP match the care needs of the client?
Is the delegating nurse competent to make delegation decisions?
Has there been assessment of the client needs?
Is the task within the scope of the delegating nurse?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Are there laws and rules in place that support the delegation?
Do not delegate
Do not delegate
Do not delegate
Do not delegate
Do not delegate
Do not delegate