Ethical issues and the new staff mix.
The role of the professional nurse is changing due to the effects of work redesign programs, downsizing, and the increasing use of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Nurses recognize that they cannot provide all aspects of the patient's care; however, nurses generally lack the knowledge and skill to delegate effectively. If nurses cannot delegate appropriate tasks to others, mistrust those to whom they are delegating tasks, and show limited respect toward UAP when delegating and supervising their work, there is the distinct possibility that patients will not receive quality care. The authors examine the ethical issues of respect for persons, trust, and promoting patient well-being, as well as the nursing issues related to accountability and responsibility when delegating care. There are several recommendations provided to enable nurses to reduce the threat of compromised patient care created by this new staff mix.
Erlen
J A
JA
School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Mellors
M P
MP
Koren
A M
AM
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009728:Nursing Assistants; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012941:Social Responsibility; D035502:Trust