Delegation

Meaning

The device of distributing authority is ‘delegation’ or conferring of

specific authority.

Definition

1. Delegation is the assignment of authority and responsibility to another person (normally from a manager to a subordinate) to carry out specific activities.

- Internet. 

2. It is the process of assigning

responsibilities and authority of co-worker

and ensuring his accountability.

- Basavanthappa.

3. American Nurses Association (1996)

– Transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task from one individual to another.

4. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (1995)

– Transferring the authority to a competent individual to perform a selected nursing task in a selected situation.

5. Achieving performance of care outcomes for

which are accountable and responsible by

sharing activities with other individuals who

have the appropriate authority to accomplish

the work (Yoder-Wise, 2008).

Components of delegation

• Care outcomes - patient care is safely provided

• Accountable and Responsible - both supervisor and delegatee have an obligation to care for that patient and ensure the task is completed

• Sharing activities – both the supervisor and delegatee work together to accomplish care

• Appropriate authority – the supervisor selects the appropriate person to delegate the task

Essential aspects/dimensions:

There are three essential aspects or dimensions

a. Assignments of the duty.

b.Grant of authority.

c. Creation of accountability.

Principles of delegation:

- Assignment of authority.

- Parity of authority.

- Clarification of limits of authority.

- Unity of command.

Five rights of delegation

• Right Task

• Right Circumstance

• Right Person

• Right Communication

• Right Supervision

Responsibilities of Delegator

As the delegator, the supervisor/incharge nurse must

Have a view of the big picture in the care of the assigned patients

Select the appropriate activities to delegateSelect the appropriate staff to carry out the

activities

Clearly communicate the expectations and required follow up

Follow up periodically while the task is being completed

Evaluate and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the delegation to staff.

Responsibilities of Delegatee

The delegatee also has responsibilities

including

– Accepting the delegated activities as directed

by the nurse supervisor

– Give report to supervisor on the delegated

task

– Give feedback to delegator on the

effectiveness of the delegation process

Legal Authority to Delegation

Legal responsibility for the incharge nurse to delegate a task is determined by Nurse Practice Act Employer’s statements including job

descriptions, policies, and procedures National standards of care

• American Nurses Association (ANA)• Other national organizations