Delegation is when a Registered Nurse (RN) directs another person to perform tasks and transfers responsibility but maintains accountability for the patient. Assignment is when a nurse directs a person to perform tasks that are already within that person’s scope of practice, such as making patient assignments (ANA & NCSBN, 2019). In Oklahoma, APRNs, RNs, and LPNs within their scope of practice are responsible for patient care that is received under their supervision. Tasks that are approved for delegation are tasks that do not require nursing assessment, judgment, or teaching during implementation (Oklahoma Board of Nursing, 2020).  The nurse must first assess each patient before delegating nursing tasks to ensure that the UAP is competent in performing the task (Oklahoma Board of Nursing, 2020). Proper delegation can improve patient care and the efficiency of the healthcare team. Three strategies that nurse managers can use to reduce risks and strengthen efficiency of unit workflow are to communicate goals clearly, identify necessary skills and education levels, and rewarding accomplishments (Marquis & Huston, 2021). Purpose and goals of the task as well as a timeline and expectations for reporting should be clearly discussed with everyone participating in the patient care. A general suggestion for identifying necessary skills and education levels is to place RN, LPN, and UAP scope of practice in a common area for staff to review. Scope of practice for UAP and LPNs differ from state to state and even facility to facility. At a previous facility that I worked at, LPN’s were able to administer IV medications with a certification offered through the hospital. The majority of LPNs obtained the certification so this was extremely helpful to patient care and assignments. The facility I currently work at does not offer and has no desire to offer IV medication administration certifications for LPN. This places more responsibility on the nurse and time taken from their assigned patients to administer medications to other patients. People work more efficiently and are happier to work when they feel appreciated. A way to achieve this as well as strengthen efficiency in unit work flow is to reward accomplishments. “No one likes to be assigned more work only to be ignored for his or her labor” (Marquis & Huston, 2021). Something as simple as thanking and recognizing an employee for their hard work makes a huge difference in morale and a sense of appreciation.

Delegation and assignment are two key concepts in nursing that are essential for effective patient care and efficient workflow within healthcare settings. Delegation refers to the process of a registered nurse (RN) directing another person, such as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), to perform certain tasks while maintaining accountability for the patient. On the other hand, assignment involves a nurse directing a person to perform tasks that are already within their scope of practice.

In the state of Oklahoma, APRNs, RNs, and LPNs are responsible for the care of patients under their supervision, within their respective scopes of practice. Delegation is most appropriate for tasks that do not require nursing assessment, judgment, or teaching during implementation. However, before delegating a task, the nurse must assess each patient to ensure that the UAP or LPN is competent and capable of performing the task safely and effectively.

Proper delegation is crucial for improving patient care and enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare team. Nurse managers can employ three strategies to reduce risks and strengthen the efficiency of unit workflow. First, they should communicate goals clearly to everyone involved in patient care. This includes discussing the purpose and goals of the assigned tasks, as well as establishing a timeline and expectations for reporting. Clear communication ensures that all team members are on the same page and working towards the same objectives.

Second, it is important to identify the necessary skills and education levels required for each task. This can be achieved by providing a readily accessible reference, such as a display of the RN, LPN, and UAP scopes of practice in a common area. Scope of practice may vary between states and facilities, so having this information readily available helps to avoid confusion and ensures that tasks are appropriately assigned to individuals with the required qualifications.

For instance, in a previous facility where I worked, LPNs were able to administer IV medications with a certification offered through the hospital. The majority of LPNs obtained this certification, which greatly contributed to patient care and assignment distribution. However, in my current facility, LPNs are not permitted to administer IV medications, which places more responsibility on the nurse and can lead to a greater burden in medication administration. Understanding the scope of practice among team members is crucial in assigning tasks effectively and utilizing the skills and capabilities of each individual.

Lastly, rewarding accomplishments can be a significant motivating factor for the healthcare team. People work more efficiently and are happier in their work when they feel appreciated and recognized for their hard work. As Marquis and Huston (2021) suggest, “No one likes to be assigned more work only to be ignored for his or her labor.” Simple gestures, such as thanking and recognizing employees for their contributions, can have a profound impact on morale and foster a sense of appreciation among team members.

In conclusion, delegation and assignment are important concepts in nursing practice that can greatly impact patient care and unit workflow. Nurse managers can adopt strategies such as clear communication of goals, identification of necessary skills and education levels, and rewarding accomplishments to reduce risks, strengthen efficiency, and promote a positive work environment. By effectively delegating tasks and assigning responsibilities, nurses can optimize the use of resources and enhance overall patient outcomes.