Nursing According to the Joint Statement on Delegation produced by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) "the RN assigns or delegates tasks based on the needs and condition of the patient, potential for harm, stability of the patient's condition, complexity of the task, predictability of the outcomes, abilities of the staff to who the task is delegated, and the context of other patient needs" (Joint Statement).

In this particular case, it is easy to determine the frustrating aspects affecting Ms. W. It can also be a relatively simple matter to correct the situation in order to ensure effective care for Ms. R. The nursing supervisor in this case would sit down with Ms. W. And map out a strategy for the patient's care, remembering of course that the key to successful delegation "depends on the quality of RN and NAP working relationships, timely ongoing communication, initiative and a willingness to collaborate"...

157). Ensuring that Ms. W. is open to collaboration is the key phrase here. The nursing supervisor can determine her attitude by first alleviating any fears of inadequacy that Ms. W. might be feeling. Oftentimes, new (and sometimes even experienced) nurses can feel overwhelmed by circumstances, especially if the patient is not cooperating, or does not seem to understand the importance of maintaining treatments or their own health.
It is at this point that the nursing supervisor can be the most effective; if he or she determines the problem and is willing to take the necessary actions to assist the nurses under his or her charge to become more effective in their duties. As Potter et al. determined "nurse managers play a key role in the facilitation of delegation practices" (p. 157).

After alleviating Ms. W.'s concerns, the nursing supervisor can then explain how Ms. W. can facilitate care of the patient without…