title: Delegation: a critical skill for the orthopaedic nurse.
abstract: Delegation is a learned skill that is critical for the orthopaedic staff nurse today. The evolution of assistive personnel and the health care delivery system is introduced, along with who unlicensed assistive personnel are and distinctions between delegation and assignment. The scope of nursing practice is discussed in relation to nurse practice acts, standards, position statements, and evaluation of practice. Several models, including the nursing process, present criteria for delegation. Barriers to delegation involve characteristics of the staff nurse, issues of supervision, and reverse delegation. Benefits are noted that will encourage the orthopaedic nurse to delegate legally and effectively in an effort to work efficiently and to empower colleagues.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Milstead
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009728:Nursing Assistants; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D009746:Nursing, Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*