Integrating Delegation into the Undergraduate Curriculum

Abstract

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.

Integrative review: Factors impacting effective delegation practices by registered nurses to assistants in nursing

“…Education which outlines this critical aspect of delegation must be provided in pre‐registration programs and reinforced during employment. However, research identified most pre‐registration curricula only partially provided RN students with the leadership skills of prioritization, delegation and supervision of care (Henderson et al, 2013; Pollard & Wild, 2014; Saccomano & Zipp, 2014). Furthermore, there is limited opportunity during clinical placements for pre‐registration students to grow their confidence and authority to supervise and coordinate care (Hasson et al, 2013).…”

Confidence in delegation and leadership of registered nurses in long-term-care hospitals

“…Although the mandate to delegate is essential to competent nursing, few undergraduates experience such education (Hasson et al . , Saccomano & Pinto‐Zipp ) and have little practical experience (Johnson et al . ).…”

“…Those with more than 5 years of total clinical nursing experience had higher levels of confidence in delegating than those with <5 years. However, more research is necessary to confirm the relationship, as some studies reported that confidence in delegation did not statistically correlate with clinical experience (White et al 2011, Saccomano & Pinto-Zipp 2014. Kaernested and Bragad ottir (2012) reported that age and experience were critical factors in determining an RN's level of confidence in delegating.…”

“…Leadership teaching should include knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Although the mandate to delegate is essential to competent nursing, few undergraduates experience such education (Hasson et al 2013, Saccomano & Pinto-Zipp 2014 and have little practical experience (Johnson et al 2015). Registered nurses require formal education on delegation and transformational leadership in nursing practice.…”

Learning Delegation Through Role-Play: A Problem-Based Learning Activity for Nursing Students

“…There are few examples in the literature of teaching strategies to engage students in delegation outside the clinical environment (Chunta et al, 2017;Puskar et al, 2017;Russel et al, 2017;Saccomano & Zipp, 2014). This article describes the instructional design and evaluation of an innovative role-play activity to engage senior-level nursing students in delegation decision-making.…”