Tips for Delegation

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2008

I'm terrible about delegating! Basically, I don't delegate anything if I'm truly not busy (or if I'm all ready in the room, I don't call for the PCT to do something). But I do realize that when I'm busy, my PCT's can be a great help. I never ask them to do anything I wouldn't do my self. I'm fortunate to work on a floor that has a low nurse to pt ratio (1-5 MAX, even at night), so I'm able to provide more direct pt care.

Jules A, MSN · Nov 26, 2008

I thought this thread had some good info.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f99/tips-being-more-assertive-managing-nurses-aides-316621.html

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2008

I am almost done with nursing school:D I graduate on the 12th of December and I am finding myself struggling with how to delegate. I mean...I get its purpose and all. I am just having a difficult time doing it:icon_roll. I just finished 108 hours of a preceptorship class that my program requires us to complete and during that time I worked on practicing delegation and I find I am having a difficult time with it. Does anyone have any tips on how to get comfortable with delegating? Or just good tips on delegation in general?

I've always heard that if you have time to do it yourself, then do it. You'll find that some CNAs won't do what you ask because you are new. I had that problem big time when working on days. I still have the problem at night. They've (CNA) been there for yrs and I'm just now coming in the picture telling them what to do??? I can understand it in a way, but the CNAs have a job to do and the good one's will do their job mostly without you having to delegate.

Good luck. You'll get comfortable sooner or later. Just treat your aides very very well, they are there to help you. Make them your best friend!

mcknis · Nov 27, 2008

I also have had a hard time delegating to others. I feel fairly comfortable delegating to the nursing assistants, but feel a little more uncomfortable with the LPNs because they already are nurses and can do so much. i don't want them to feel like they are being belittled because i ask them to get a pt some ice, or to assist with a bath. You will find you will have more time to focus on charting/assessments/etc when you are working with an LPN and you'll have time to focus on meds and a few other things when you are with a nursing assistant. It is difficult at first (especially if you already worked with these people you are delegating to as an LPN or nursing assistant), but with time gets easier and you learn to trust the others you are working with. One LPN I am with is late on charting meds, and sometimes giving them too (as much as 4 hours...eek!), but you learn to check those people more often!