Delegation within municipal healthcare

• Aim To describe how registered nurses (RNs) perceive delegation to unlicensed personnel (UP) in a municipal healthcare context in Sweden. Background Within municipal health care RNs often delegate tasks to UP. The latter have practical training, but lack formal competence. Method Twelve RNs were interviewed and the material was analysed using a phenomenographic approach. Results Owing to a shortage of RNs, delegation is seen as a prerequisite for a functioning organization. This necessity also involves a number of perceived contradictions in three areas: (1) the work situation of RNs - facilitation and relief vs. lack of control, powerlessness, vagueness regarding responsibility, and resignation; (2) the relationship with unlicensed personnel - stimulation, possibility for mentoring, use of UP competence and the creation of fairness vs. questioning UP competence; and (3) The patients - increase in continuity, quicker treatment, and increased security vs. insecurity (with respect to, for example, the handling of medicine). Conclusion Registered nurses perceptions of delegation within municipal healthcare involve their own work situation, the UP and the patients. Implications for nursing management Registered nurses who delegate to UP must be given time for mentoring such that the nursing care is safe care of high quality.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

delegation

municipal healthcare

registered nurses

unlicensed personnel

Nursing Science

Omvårdnad

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)