Intimidated by delegation.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2008

I always believe that if you can do a job yourself do it, especially if you have the time. I often ask the aides if they are sat aound talking to help me but most of the time they are very busy themselves and I will say

"Could you pop down and do XYZ as soon as you have the time" they know their job and will tell you if it is not part of their role.

Ps I always use please and thank you-I totally believe if you have the aides on your side they are the backbone of the floor and will put themselves out for you, if you respect them.

love-d-OR · Aug 13, 2008

I will second what the above poster stated. If you can and have the time to do it yourself, then do it. You don't want to be labeled as 'the nurse that can never do anything herself!' You will feel comfortable delegating as you grow in your role and start building a working relationship with your techs. Always follow the principles of delegation: right person, correct/detailed instructions, appropriate task, supervise and follow up!

Be polite in your approach.

Eirene, ASN, RN · Aug 14, 2008

I've been working for a month as an RN and I'm still intimidated by delegating. My preceptor told me that it was one of the areas that I needed to improve on. I know I need to-- but it's hard!

I just wanted to let you know that you weren't the only one. :)

suzy253, RN · Aug 14, 2008

As a new grad, I too had trouble delegating. But my wonderful preceptor made me 'practice' on him. I have no problems now with delegation.....nicely...very nicely of course. :-)

mcknis · Aug 14, 2008

You bet delegation is difficult, but like the others have said...they know their role and you know yours. If they aren't allowed to do something, they will tell you. I have found that for those aides that understand rank and order, they won't questions, just do. For those who have been around the bush a few times, may question you but stand your ground and don't let them walk over you. Don't be scared, even though it is, and realize that delegation was taught to us for a reason, to lighten our load as nurses. We have so much on our platter, and any little but that can be taken off, def lightens our load. Good luck and lets keep each other going!

cubbynurse · Aug 18, 2008

I definitely hear what you're saying....I'm terrified at the thought of delegating. I worked as a Nursing Assistant on the same unit where I am now a nurse. Unfortunately, some of the NA's consider some RN's "lazy" when they delegate. They see the RNs sitting there at the computer charting and think they aren't doing anything, therefore the RN is lazy. I had been through my nursing classes and understood the whole delegation thing so it only bugged me when the nurses were unwilling to help out because they felt a job was "beneath" them (aka I won't take out an overflowing garbage bag when I leave the room....instead I'll walk out, page the NA, and have her go empty it). Unfortunately, I am now scared that if I delegate I will be labeled as "lazy" too. My preceptor keeps encouraging me to delegate and says I need to learn this because as I take on more patients I will become more and more busy and be unable to do total care myself, despite the NA duties being second nature. I just don't have the courage to delegate yet to the same NAs that oriented me to the unit 14 months ago.

mcknis · Aug 18, 2008

I understand how you feel! I know we all do. I have only been in orientation for about 5 wks now and am just now starting to get adjusted to delegation. Notice I did not say comfortable! I am getting adjusted and prepared for when i amlet out on my own, but I am VERY, VERY scared of what is to come! We are all in this together!