It is imperative that nurse managers provide nurses with the educational opportunities necessary to develop delegation and supervision strategies to adapt to the changing RN role while adhering to differences in scope of practice. Globally, RNs are caring for increasing numbers of acutely ill patients with scarce resources ensuring an adequately trained RN/UAP team can help support optimal patient care.

To meet challenges of continuing change in the health care industry and maintain organizational viability in increasingly competitive markets, the use of the registered nurse--unlicensed assistive personnel model is an undeniable reality that fills the void created by the current shortage of nurses and decreases the costs of providing patient care. Although much has been published about the need for nurses to delegate and supervise patient care-related activities, little has been written about the skills needed to do this effectively or how these skills may be learned. Academic and clinical educators must find ways to facilitate the development of delegation and supervision abilities as nurses increasingly work with nonprofessional staff. Continuing education is an effective way for nurses to learn the skills required by changing models of patient care delivery and evolving professional roles.

When taken in the recommended dosage, acetaminophen is a safe and effective analgesic and antipyretic agent. Its wide availability and easy accessibility make accidental or intentional overdose, leading to hepatotoxicity, a common occurrence. To prevent morbidity and mortality, prompt recognition of acetaminophen toxicity is essential. This article covers the stages of acetaminophen toxicity, recommended treatments, and NP considerations, including patient education recommendations.

Dizziness is a general term used to express subjective patient complaints related to changes in sensation, movement, perception, or consciousness. There are four types of dizziness: vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope/syncope, and dizziness as a result of psychological disturbances. Differentiating the type of dizziness will assist in the course of the evaluation.

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Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism that primarily occurs in adult males. Elevated plasma uric acid concentrations (hyperuricemia) cause deposits of urate crystals in joint spaces causing severe, repeated attacks of arthritis.

Sleep pattern changes are considered normal as individuals age. However, changes in sleep patterns can ultimately affect the quality of life of many older adults. In addition, many sleep conditions are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. It is essential for clinicians to recognize sleep changes to lead to appropriate treatment. This article will focus on the assessment and interventions of sleep disorders in older adults.

One of the essential practice skills for registered nurses (RNs) is the delegation of tasks. However, few experiences in RN educational programs directly address the development of delegation skills. Many RNs report not feeling confident in their ability to delegate appropriately upon completing their educational programs. Nurse educators must respond to the need to address delegation in undergraduate nursing curricula. This article describes research evaluating levels of knowledge of and confidence in the delegation process among newly graduated RNs, and explores options for teachable moments about delegation.