Application of Benner’s theory to problem of delegation
Introduction
A frequent problem at work is that registered nurse's (RNs) are often reluctant to delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Many patients at the hospital suffer from strokes, spinal injuries, brain tumors, dementia/Alzhiemer’s disease, or other devastating illnesses/injuries. Also, large hospitals and hospitals in urban areas tend to have numerous patients at the hospitals at any given time. Every day hospital units are quite busy and nurses are required to turn, feed, constantly observe for patient safety, bathe, and assist with elimination. RNs need to delegate the tasks or responsibilities to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) or other healthcare professionals. …show more content…
At the same time, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (2005) research shows an increase in the complexity of nursing tasks, functions, and actions performed by assistive personnel. With demographic changes and the resultant increase in the need for nursing services along with the nursing shortage, nurses cannot provide the needed care without assistive support. Additionally, some RNs think the delegation is the manager’ job or a charge nurse's function or some nurses let a feeling of superiority prevent them from delegating tasks. This could result in lapses in nursing care and poor patient outcomes. In 1992, the American Nurses Association defined delegation as “the transfer of responsibility for the performance of an activity from one individual to another while retaining accountability for the outcome” (p.4). When done effectively, delegation can help the workplace run smoother and allow for better patient care. Patricia Benner’s theory involving nursing competency …show more content…
According to DeNisco and Barker (2014), “areas specially cited for utilization include nursing management, career enhancement, clinical specialization, staff development program, staffing, evaluation, clinical internships, and precepting students and novice nurses” (p. 232). Keilman and Dunn used Benner’s work “to study advanced practice nurses’ effectiveness in diagnosing, treating, and managing urinary incontinence”, Meretoja and Koponen used the model for “comparing nurses’ optimal and actual competencies in clinical settings”, Abraham “evaluated a program based on Benner’s model which was designed to develop leadership skills and professionalism”, Coyle “presented an internship program in home health for new graduates”, and Brixey and Mahon “tested the practice of hemodialysis nurses and observed a theme of ‘perpetual novice’” (DeNisco & Barker, 2014, p.