Delegation Woes

[FutureCRNP]

Ok, so I recently passed boards as LPN. I don't have any experience yet, but I'm looking to do long term care. I've heard horror stories concerning delegation to UAP/CNA's. I'm worried.So my concern is how do you delegate, gain the trust and deal with the assistants that you depend on?

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

This is a lofty goal that is not rooted in reality unless, of course, you become a nurse leader, researcher or nursing lobbyist.

All workplaces have unspoken, subtle politics that lurk beneath the surface. This is especially true for nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. My advice is to lay low until you develop a proficient skill set and gain more confidence.

The new nurse who wants to make sweeping changes is often the one who becomes disillusioned most quickly. Develop proficiency in your role before embarking on change. Good luck to you!

I'm already disillusioned with skilled, it's been like 120 days at this point, and I'm considering office work through my bridge. I too thought I could make skilled facilities better places. I cant. I can only make my shifts the best I can for my residents. The only thing that's going to make anything any better is lower pt ratios, and I don't see that happening. Head down laying low from now on.

[Nurse_Kimurtle, BSN, RN]

I help out when I can and if I have time; I answer call lights, take residents to the bathroom, etc. BUT my nursing duties come first. I will never not answer a call light "just because I'm a nurse and that's only what CNAs do". Like another poster stated: I can do their job all day long, they cant do mine. I work the 11p-7a shift, so there are only 3-4 CNAs on duty & I am not above helping my fellow co-workers when I can. Team work makes the dream work.