Benefits of Delegation in Nursing: Tips for Leaders

Experienced nurses know when to delegate tasks and which tasks to delegate.

Deciding when to delegate requires judgment and skill. For example, a patient’s condition and the amount of supervision required can shape a nurse’s decision to assign a task to a colleague. Leaders must also consider which tasks to assign to different team members.

RNs can manage complex patient care tasks. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse managers, and nurse leaders often delegate the following tasks to RNs.

• Administering medication, IV fluids, and blood products
• Instructing patients on postdischarge care and medications
• Evaluating patients to create individualized care plans
• Collaborating with other healthcare staff members, such as doctors and surgeons

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can take on basic care tasks. RNs, APRNs, and other nurse leaders can delegate tasks to these healthcare professionals. Delegating these responsibilities allows nurse leaders to focus on other tasks, such as the following:

• Assisting patients with standing, walking, and turning
• Taking patients’ vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Serving patients meals and assisting with eating
• Helping patients with basic needs, such as dressing and oral care

Delegation is an important leadership skill. To delegate effectively, nurse leaders must know the right way to delegate. That means deciding which tasks to assign, when to assign them, and how to follow up on those tasks.

The national guidelines for nursing delegation, outlined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA), provide useful guidance for nurse leaders.

A CNA’s tasks are different from an RN’s. Before delegating a given task, nurse leaders must ensure that it falls in the scope of the assignee’s job description.

Delegating tasks outside their scope can mean that the assignee probably lacks the knowledge and skills to complete the assignment — and that puts patients at risk.

Before delegating tasks, nurse leaders must check that the patient’s condition is stable.

Leaders must also instruct assignees on what to do if the patient’s condition changes. If the patient’s condition worsens, for example, the assignee should immediately communicate those changes for the leader to reassess the delegation.

Delegation requires communication. When assigning tasks, nurse leaders must provide thorough, detailed instructions.

After communicating directions, nurse managers should give the assignee an opportunity to ask questions or request clarification. Next, leaders must address any questions or concerns that the assignee raises before assigning the task.

After delegating a task, successful nurse leaders continue to monitor the assignment. That means tracking patient outcomes, checking that patient documentation remains up to date, and reviewing charts and medical records.

Nurse leaders must also regularly discuss delegated tasks with assigned nurses. Skill building is one of the primary benefits of delegation in nursing. By completing assignments from nurse managers, nurses gain skills and build confidence.

Many nurse leaders don’t delegate enough. Nurse leaders who take on too many responsibilities are more likely to struggle, which harms the entire team.

Nurse managers can avoid the problem of too little delegation by understanding the many benefits of entrusting tasks to others.

Delegating helps nurse leaders discover their potential and identify areas for personal growth. It also helps them identify the potential and growth opportunities of team members.

Nurse leaders must monitor assignees to identify their strengths, which is especially important for new nurses. Oversight helps leaders foster this benefit of delegation.

Assigning tasks to RNs, LVNs, and CNAs helps them strengthen critical nursing skills. Delegation thus functions as a form of training.

By growing skills, assignees advance in their own path toward leadership roles.

Successful nursing units work as a team. Assigning tasks to others promotes teamwork by demonstrating trust and building cohesion.

Delegation can also improve communication and encourage engagement. When nurse managers build trust, team members are more likely to show initiative.

When nurse leaders take on tasks that could’ve been delegated, the department fails to use its staff and resources effectively.

Delegation makes units more efficient, which can translate to better patient outcomes.

Nurses who want to strengthen their leadership skills can benefit from an advanced degree. Maryville University’s online MSN can help nurses gain the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles. MSN students take core courses on leadership and professional role development. With an MSN, nurses qualify for advanced practice and leadership roles.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Fact Sheet

American Nurse, “The Rewards of Teamwork and Productive Leadership in Healthcare Today”

American Nurses Association, National Guidelines for Nursing Delegation

Indeed, “What Is the Importance of Delegation in Nursing?”

LinkedIn, “The Benefits of Delegation and Why Most Leaders Under-Delegate”

NursingAnswers.net, “Decision-Making Process in Nursing Delegation”

Onward Healthcare, “Delegation in Nursing: 4 Ways to Perfect Delegation in Nursing”

Relias, “Delegating Effectively to Nursing Assistance in Post-Acute Care”