Building RN confidence for delegation decision-making skills in practice

Delegation and coordination of patient care challenge registered nurses (RNs) practicing in capitated, managed care environments. Complicating the RN role is the fact that most RNs were not taught delegation skills while in nursing school. This study addressed the effect of a structured teaching intervention on RN delegation decision making and its enhancement of knowledge and confidence in delegation to team members. The intervention significantly increased RN delegation knowledge and overall confidence in decision making. Teaching strategies are explicated for staff development educators who are charged with providing substantive leadership approaches for staff and management nurses who have been out of nursing school and in the practice setting. The role of the RN in directing the workforce has become increasingly complex in capitated, managed care systems.